Middleweight super prospect, Bo Nickal, will return to action at UFC 309 this weekend (Sat., Nov. 16, 2024) for his fourth fight inside the Octagon, taking on his biggest test to date in the form of 18-fight promotional veteran, Paul Craig.
It seems like each time Nickal competes, Khamzat Chimaev is mentioned as a future opponent. And, like clockwork, UFC 309 media day was no different.
“It’s definitely getting closer,” Nickal told reporters when asked if a fight with Chimaev is becoming a real possibility. “Khamzat’s last performance was really incredible — it was probably the best he’s had. Submitting a former champion is an incredible feat.
“He’s definitely right there for a title shot,” Nickal added. “I have a lot of catching up to do. I’m fighting unranked guys right now. So, those are the types of fights I want in the future, but the main focus is to improve, develop and get better at fighting.
“We’ll make that fight happen in time,” Nickal concluded.
Two years ago, the three-time NCAA Division I national champion from Penn State University said he was “ready to go with Chimaev;” therefore, it’s refreshing to hear a fighter with as much hype as Nickal give props to a potential future opponent, while also realizing he has important homework before said fight.
Even though he might get beat up by “Borz.”
Nevertheless, before Nickal fights Chimaev inside Las Vegas Raiders’s Allegiant Stadium in front of 65,000+ rabid combat sports fans, he must get through “Bear Jew” — who believes it will be a “bad idea” if Nickal takes him down — inside Madison Square Garden in New York City.
Remember that MMAmania.com will deliver LIVE round-by-round, blow-by-blow coverage of the entire UFC 309 fight card right here, starting with the early ESPN+ “Prelims” matches online, which are scheduled to begin at 6 p.m. ET (simulcast on ESPNews at 8 p.m. ET), before the pay-per-view (PPV) main card start time at 10 p.m. ET (also on ESPN+).
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