UFC 300 Fighter Bo Nickal Scoffs At Top Contender Amid UFC Title Shot Debate
Bo Nickal is one of the UFC's fastest-growing prospects to date.
The former Penn State All-American wrestler has taken the MMA world by storm. Already sitting at 5-0 in MMA, Nickal has the opportunity to impress on one of the sport's biggest stages — UFC 300 — as he will take on Cody Brundage in a middleweight contest on April 13 from Las Vegas, Nev.
On Nickal's podcast with The Doctor Camacho, he discussed his fight preparation for Brundage and, specifically, his thoughts on the UFC middleweight division post-UFC 297. The main event saw Dricus du Plessis become the promotion's fourth African champion, defeating Sean Strickland in a closely contested five-round decision.
Nickal said the UFC already has its idea about which direction it will take with du Plessis and the middleweight championship.
"I think Dricus wants [Israel] Adesanya," Nickal said. "That's what he said. His callout was Adesanya, or it could be Khamzat [Chimaev]. They've been talking about giving Khamzat the title [shot], but he has been hurt. He has been sick. Messed up in the hospital, broke his hand. All this crazy stuff."
Despite Chimaev's non-committal health issues, Nickal said the UFC might eventually have to bite the bullet.
"Dude, they're gonna give Khamzat the title shot for sure at some point," Nickal added. "I don't think that he's gonna have to fight again till he gets the title shot. Do I think he deserves that? No. He hasn't fought a single 85'er. He has fought less 85'ers than me. My guys aren't even on the roster anymore."
Chimaev's last bout came in October against former UFC welterweight champion Kamaru Usman, as the Dagestanian won a decision in Abu Dhabi.
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