UFC fighter Bo Nickal is set to balance two combat sports endeavors simultaneously.
Sources informed MMA Fighting that the UFC middleweight contender has signed an agreement with the Real American Freestyle wrestling organization. Nickal plans to compete in wrestling for this promotion while also continuing his ongoing mixed martial arts journey.
This wrestling promotion is led by notable figures including wrestling icon Hulk Hogan, former WCW senior vice president Eric Bischoff, and veteran coach Izzy Martinez.
“Bo Nickal is a tremendous athlete and one of the most accomplished wrestlers on the planet,” Hogan stated in a press release. “Nickal immediately elevates the RAF roster to new heights with his competitiveness and experience. When fans attend an RAF event they know they’re going to see the best of the best on the mat.”
Nickal possesses a highly decorated wrestling background before his transition to MMA, having been a three-time NCAA Division I National Champion representing Penn State University.
After moving from the wrestling mat to the cage, Nickal quickly made an impact with a 31-second knockout in his professional debut. This performance led to an appearance on Dana White’s Contender Series, where he secured a UFC contract by finishing both opponents in the opening round.
The 2019 Dan Hodge Trophy recipient went on to win his first four fights in the UFC octagon. However, he recently experienced his first professional defeat, suffering a loss to Reinier de Ridder at UFC Des Moines in May.
