Tag: bo nickal

Cody Brundage mocks Bo Nickal hype ahead of UFC 300: ‘People think he’s the second coming of Jesus Christ’

Cody Brundage mocks Bo Nickal hype ahead of UFC 300: 'People think he's the second coming of Jesus Christ'Cody Brundage is tired of hearing all the hype behind Bo Nickal. When Brundage steps inside the Octagon this…

Cody Brundage mocks Bo Nickal hype ahead of UFC 300: 'People think he's the second coming of Jesus Christ'

Cody Brundage is tired of hearing all the hype behind Bo Nickal.

When Brundage steps inside the Octagon this Saturday night (April 13) at the UFC’s landmark event in Las Vegas, he will do so as the biggest underdog in the promotion’s 30+ year history. According to DraftKings, Nickal is a -2100 favorite, meaning you would have to throw down $2,100 on the three-time NCAA Division I National Champion to win $100.

Bo Nickal vs. Cody Brundage

Speaking about his role as a +1100 dog during Wednesday’s UFC media event, Brundage likened the ridiculous amount of hype surrounding Nickal to the resurrection of Jesus.

“I think it’s kind of funny,” Brundage said. “I talked to some of my teammates, like Rob Wilkinson who’s a PFL champion. I talked to Anthony Smith and asked, ‘If you think I got booked to fight you tomorrow, you would be a bigger favorite than Bo Nickal?’ They’re like, ‘Probably not.’ The odds are what they are, but sometimes it’s more a narrative of what people think because, at the end of the day, Bo Nickal’s never been hit so for him to be that kind of favorite just seems insane to me.

“Obviously, I’m a little biased, but it seems pretty wild. I know people think he’s like the second coming of Jesus Christ in MMA, but I just don’t see it.”

Bo Nickal vs. Cody Brundage

Can Cody Brundage Bring a Halt to the hype train?

Bo Nickal is a perfect 5-0 in his mixed martial arts career thus far, beginning with a 33-second knockout of John Noland under the iKON FC banner. He followed that up with back-to-back finishes on Dana White’s Contender Series, needing less than two combined minutes to dispatch Zack Borrego and Donovan Beard.

He’s since added two more victories, finishing Jamie Pickett and Val Woodburn in the opening rounds at UFC 285 and UFC 290.

Bo Nickal KOs Val Woodburn

After four fights with the UFC, including his DWCS appearances, Nickal has only absorbed three significant strikes. Cody Brundage — who holds an 80% finish rate in his MMA career — plans on being the first fighter to truly test the former Nittany Lion’s chin at UFC 300.

Check out Cody Brundage’s full media day appearance below:

Bo Nickal touted as ‘American Khabib Nurmagomedov’ ahead of UFC 300 return: ‘He’s phenomenal’

Bo Nickal touted as American Khabib Nurmagomedov ahead of UFC 300 he's phenomenalSet to make his third walk under the promotion’s banner at UFC 300 this weekend, unbeaten middleweight contender, Bo…

Bo Nickal touted as American Khabib Nurmagomedov ahead of UFC 300 he's phenomenal

Set to make his third walk under the promotion’s banner at UFC 300 this weekend, unbeaten middleweight contender, Bo Nickal most certainly has the ability to be a future American-version of Hall of Fame star, Khabib Nurmagomedov, according to former titleholder, Michael Bisping. 

Nickal, who makes his return to the Octagon almost a year since his last outing, makes a highly-scrutinized main card appearance at the massive UFC 300 card this weekend, taking on Cody Brundage in search of his third straight victory.

Bo Nickal UFC 290 Cooper Neil Zuffa LLC

A decorated amateur wrestling talent, Colorado native, Nickal – who twice prevailed with victories on Dana White’s Contender Series – has so far racked up a submission win and knockout stoppage over both Jamie Pickett, and Val Woodburn, respectively, the most recent of which last July.

Bo Nickal receives comparisons to Khabib Nurmagomedov

Touted as a massive prospect at the middleweight limit – and to many, a future title challenger, Nickal has been backed as a candidate to become an ‘American-version’ of former lightweight champion, Nurmagomedov, according to color-commentator, Bisping.

Khabib Nurmagomedov denounces Power Slap League don't slap nobody no good UFC
Mandatory Credit: Chris Unger – Zuffa LLC

“Bo Nickal has the potential to go down as one of the greatest champions that we’ve ever seen – an American version of a Khamzat Chimaev or an Islam Makhachev or a Khabib Nurmagomedov,” Michael Bisping told MMA Fighting. “That’s the kind of pedigree that he has, and that’s what he’s shown so far.”

“When you reach the level Bo Nickal has in wrestling, you’re a special kind of human being. …Bo Nickal has got the ability to be an American Khabib Nurmagomedov,” Bisping explained. “And he’s a great guy. He’s phenomenal. He’s undefeated. The UFC know what they have on their hands.”

Bo Nickal stokes fan outcry over main card fight at UFC 300 I like that it makes people mad
Mandatory Credit: Cooper Neil – Zuffa LLC

Arguing his case to feature on the main card of UFC 300 – above a slew of former champions who remain seated on the preliminary card, Nickal claims the reasoning for his placement on the pay-per-view portion of the event likely translates to his ability to sell.

Do you think Bo Nickal can reach the heights of Khabib Nurmagomedov?

Bo Nickal touted as ‘American Khabib Nurmagomedov’ ahead of UFC 300 return: ‘He’s phenomenal’

Bo Nickal touted as American Khabib Nurmagomedov ahead of UFC 300 he's phenomenalSet to make his third walk under the promotion’s banner at UFC 300 this weekend, unbeaten middleweight contender, Bo…

Bo Nickal touted as American Khabib Nurmagomedov ahead of UFC 300 he's phenomenal

Set to make his third walk under the promotion’s banner at UFC 300 this weekend, unbeaten middleweight contender, Bo Nickal most certainly has the ability to be a future American-version of Hall of Fame star, Khabib Nurmagomedov, according to former titleholder, Michael Bisping. 

Nickal, who makes his return to the Octagon almost a year since his last outing, makes a highly-scrutinized main card appearance at the massive UFC 300 card this weekend, taking on Cody Brundage in search of his third straight victory.

Bo Nickal UFC 290 Cooper Neil Zuffa LLC

A decorated amateur wrestling talent, Colorado native, Nickal – who twice prevailed with victories on Dana White’s Contender Series – has so far racked up a submission win and knockout stoppage over both Jamie Pickett, and Val Woodburn, respectively, the most recent of which last July.

Bo Nickal receives comparisons to Khabib Nurmagomedov

Touted as a massive prospect at the middleweight limit – and to many, a future title challenger, Nickal has been backed as a candidate to become an ‘American-version’ of former lightweight champion, Nurmagomedov, according to color-commentator, Bisping.

Khabib Nurmagomedov denounces Power Slap League don't slap nobody no good UFC
Mandatory Credit: Chris Unger – Zuffa LLC

“Bo Nickal has the potential to go down as one of the greatest champions that we’ve ever seen – an American version of a Khamzat Chimaev or an Islam Makhachev or a Khabib Nurmagomedov,” Michael Bisping told MMA Fighting. “That’s the kind of pedigree that he has, and that’s what he’s shown so far.”

“When you reach the level Bo Nickal has in wrestling, you’re a special kind of human being. …Bo Nickal has got the ability to be an American Khabib Nurmagomedov,” Bisping explained. “And he’s a great guy. He’s phenomenal. He’s undefeated. The UFC know what they have on their hands.”

Bo Nickal stokes fan outcry over main card fight at UFC 300 I like that it makes people mad
Mandatory Credit: Cooper Neil – Zuffa LLC

Arguing his case to feature on the main card of UFC 300 – above a slew of former champions who remain seated on the preliminary card, Nickal claims the reasoning for his placement on the pay-per-view portion of the event likely translates to his ability to sell.

Do you think Bo Nickal can reach the heights of Khabib Nurmagomedov?

Bo Nickal touted as ‘American Khabib Nurmagomedov’ ahead of UFC 300 return: ‘He’s phenomenal’

Bo Nickal touted as American Khabib Nurmagomedov ahead of UFC 300 he's phenomenalSet to make his third walk under the promotion’s banner at UFC 300 this weekend, unbeaten middleweight contender, Bo…

Bo Nickal touted as American Khabib Nurmagomedov ahead of UFC 300 he's phenomenal

Set to make his third walk under the promotion’s banner at UFC 300 this weekend, unbeaten middleweight contender, Bo Nickal most certainly has the ability to be a future American-version of Hall of Fame star, Khabib Nurmagomedov, according to former titleholder, Michael Bisping. 

Nickal, who makes his return to the Octagon almost a year since his last outing, makes a highly-scrutinized main card appearance at the massive UFC 300 card this weekend, taking on Cody Brundage in search of his third straight victory.

Bo Nickal UFC 290 Cooper Neil Zuffa LLC

A decorated amateur wrestling talent, Colorado native, Nickal – who twice prevailed with victories on Dana White’s Contender Series – has so far racked up a submission win and knockout stoppage over both Jamie Pickett, and Val Woodburn, respectively, the most recent of which last July.

Bo Nickal receives comparisons to Khabib Nurmagomedov

Touted as a massive prospect at the middleweight limit – and to many, a future title challenger, Nickal has been backed as a candidate to become an ‘American-version’ of former lightweight champion, Nurmagomedov, according to color-commentator, Bisping.

Khabib Nurmagomedov denounces Power Slap League don't slap nobody no good UFC
Mandatory Credit: Chris Unger – Zuffa LLC

“Bo Nickal has the potential to go down as one of the greatest champions that we’ve ever seen – an American version of a Khamzat Chimaev or an Islam Makhachev or a Khabib Nurmagomedov,” Michael Bisping told MMA Fighting. “That’s the kind of pedigree that he has, and that’s what he’s shown so far.”

“When you reach the level Bo Nickal has in wrestling, you’re a special kind of human being. …Bo Nickal has got the ability to be an American Khabib Nurmagomedov,” Bisping explained. “And he’s a great guy. He’s phenomenal. He’s undefeated. The UFC know what they have on their hands.”

Bo Nickal stokes fan outcry over main card fight at UFC 300 I like that it makes people mad
Mandatory Credit: Cooper Neil – Zuffa LLC

Arguing his case to feature on the main card of UFC 300 – above a slew of former champions who remain seated on the preliminary card, Nickal claims the reasoning for his placement on the pay-per-view portion of the event likely translates to his ability to sell.

Do you think Bo Nickal can reach the heights of Khabib Nurmagomedov?

UFC 300’s Bo Nickal dubs Olympic gold medalist Jordan Burroughs a ‘freaking fraud’ in fierce exchange

UFC star Bo Nickal dubs Olympic gold medalist Jordan Burroughs a 'freaking fraud' in fierce exchangeBo Nickal dubbed Olympic gold medalist Jordan Burroughs a “freaking fraud” following a heated exchange during the NCAA Wrestling…

UFC star Bo Nickal dubs Olympic gold medalist Jordan Burroughs a 'freaking fraud' in fierce exchange

Bo Nickal dubbed Olympic gold medalist Jordan Burroughs a “freaking fraud” following a heated exchange during the NCAA Wrestling Championships.

Their quarrel began as Burroughs provided commentary for ESPN’s broadcast as Penn State’s Carter Starocci took home his fourth NCAA Division I title with a 2-0 victory in the finals. Starocci accomplished the task while fighting through a knee injury that some speculated could be a torn ACL. During the match, Burroughs told UFC Hall of Famer Daniel Cormier that Starocci’s opponent should have targeted that injured leg.

Bo Nickal slams Jordan Burroughs' commentary during Carter Starocci's history-making NCAA win

Following the win, Starocci spoke about the upcoming Olympic trials where he is expected to compete at 74 kilograms (163 pounds), the same weight class as Burroughs. Again, Burroughs made it clear that he would target Starocci’s injured leg, should their paths cross.

“He said April 19 and 20. I know a guy that’s going to be there,” Burroughs said on the broadcast. “I’d love to see him. I tell you what, if him and I meet each other in the bracket, I’m going right for that right leg.”

Nickal, who won three NCAA titles while competing for Penn State, slammed Burroughs’ comments, calling him “unprofessional” for openly admitting that he would target the injury.

“Really classy Jordan Burroughs as a commentator saying you’d target Starocci’s injury in competition,” Nickal wrote on X. “Sad that you think that way and even if you do you should keep that to yourself it’s unprofessional. For all your accomplishments I’d expect more.”

Burroughs quickly replied to Nickal’s criticism, writing: “You punch guys in the face for a living. Shut up.”

Screenshot 2024 03 31 123543

Bo Nickal accuses Burroughs of stealing Starocci’s moment

While speaking of the incident on his podcast a few days later, Nickal doubled down on his comment and trashed Burroughs for attempting to put the spotlight back on himself rather than allowing Starroci to celebrate becoming the sixth person in NCAA history to win four Division I wrestling titles.

Bo Nickal slams Jordan Burroughs' commentary during history-making win for Carter Starocci

“It’s not his moment,” Nickal said. “So why take a guy’s fourth national title and one of the biggest moments in his career and make it about yourself? To me, it just shows his character. The thing that bothers me is nobody sees this. He always tries to act like an ambassador of the sport and, ‘Oh, congratulations to Penn State, I’m so proud of you guys and what you’re doing.’ Bro, you’re a freaking fraud. You just want to make it about yourself” (h/t MMA Fighting).

Nickal will return to the Octagon on April 13 to lead off the UFC 300 main card in Las Vegas. With the Olympic trials scheduled to go down the following week, Nickal hopes Burroughs keeps the same energy should they cross paths at the event.

“Don’t come at our guys and don’t act friendly to me when I see you,” Nickal added. “Because I guarantee you, he’ll try to see me and be like, ‘What’s up Bo, dap it up,’ and be cool. I’m like no, we’re not cool. I don’t really care to be cool with you.”

Jon Anik fully supports Bo Nickal’s spot on the UFC 300 main card: ‘There’s just a different electricity’

Jon Anik fully supports Bo Nickal's spot on the UFC 300 main card: 'There’s just a different electricity'Jon Anik fully supports Bo Nickal’s spot on the UFC 300 main card. Earlier this month, the promotion announced…

Jon Anik fully supports Bo Nickal's spot on the UFC 300 main card: 'There’s just a different electricity'

Jon Anik fully supports Bo Nickal’s spot on the UFC 300 main card.

Earlier this month, the promotion announced its bout order for what is primed to be the biggest card in UFC history. However, fans were quick to notice that Nickal, a fighter with only two appearances inside the Octagon thus far, would feature in the main card opener against Cody Brundage.

Bo Nickal kicks off the UFC 300 main card

Backlash immediately ensued with pundits arguing that Nickal was not deserving of the spot over fighters like former UFC champions Jiri Prochazka and Aljamain Sterling who had been relegated to the preliminary portion of the card — not to mention two-time PFL champ Kayla Harrison who makes her highly anticipated debut against ex-titleholder Holly Holm.

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But for Anik, Bo Nickal is right where he belongs in the coveted main card slot, noting that the promising prospect brings a certain “electricity” to the Octagon that will likely get things off to a roaring start at the promotion’s landmark event on April 13.

“Khamzat Chimaev, I would even throw out there 18-year-old Raul Rosas Jr., Bo Nickal – there’s just a different electricity when it comes to some of these guys,” Anik told MMA Junkie Radio. “You parlay their fight style with the expectation, and the pressure, and the fan intrigue, and I just think Bo Nickal checks a lot of boxes.

“For us, when we get through our pay-per-view open, and we have that exhale moment, when we get to sit down and watch that first fight on pay-per-view with all the masses around the world, that’s a very strategic position on the card. It’s a prime slot. Maybe at times you don’t get as many people as seen on during the featured prelim on ESPN, but they don’t mess around when it comes to that first fight. I can’t necessarily speak to Cody Brundage and the decision to feature him against Bo Nickal” (h/t Yahoo! Sports).

Bo Nickal is a massive favorite going into UFC 300

Thus far, Bo Nickal is a perfect 5-0 in his mixed martial arts career with all of his fights ending in the opening round. It only took him a combined 1:54 to run through back-to-back opponents on Dana White’s Contender Series in 2022 before earning his UFC contract. Since then, he’s added two more wins, dispatching Jamie Pickett via an arm triangle choke in his promotional debut before sending Val Woodburn to the shadow realm with a 38-second KO at UFC 290.

Bo Nickal

Currently, Nickal is a massive -2100 favorite on DraftKings, meaning you would have to put $2,100 on the line to win $100. Brundage comes in at a +1100 underdog which would turn a $100 bet into $1,100 — should he pull off the upset.

The bout order for UFC 300 is as follows:

MAIN CARD (Pay-per-view, 10 p.m. ET)

  • Champion Alex Pereira vs. Jamahal Hill – UFC light heavyweight championship
  • Champion Zhang Weili vs. Yan Xiaonan – UFC women’s strawweight championship
  • Champion Justin Gaethje vs. Max Holloway – BMF title fight
  • Charles Oliveira vs. Arman Tsarukyan
  • Cody Brundage vs. Bo Nickal

PRELIMINARY CARD (ESPN/ESPN+, 6 p.m. ET)

  • Jiri Prochazka vs. Aleksandar Rakic
  • Calvin Kattar vs. Aljamain Sterling
  • Kayla Harrison vs. Holly Holm
  • Diego Lopes vs. Sodiq Yusuff
  • Renato Moicano vs. Jalin Turner
  • Jessica Andrade vs. Marina Rodriguez
  • Bobby Green vs. Jim Miller
  • Deiveson Figueiredo vs. Cody Garbrandt