Bo Nickal remains confident in his potential success against Khamzat Chimaev, expressing interest in a championship fight between the undefeated middleweights, while acknowledging Chimaev’s skills and predicting that endurance will be a key factor in their matchup.
Bo Nickal’s confidence remains unshaken. He’s sure he’d find success against Khamzat Chimaev in the UFC octagon.
In a chat with Chael Sonnen on Nickal’s YouTube channel, he expressed his eagerness for a showdown between the unbeaten middleweights. “That’s the fight I’ve wanted for ages,” Nickal stated. “We’ll make it happen. It’s massive.”
Nickal emphasized that such a fight should be for the belt. It’s been a hot topic since he first stepped into MMA. “In my mind, it has to be for the belt,” he added.
The timeline might shift a bit, though. Once Nickal climbs the rankings and Chimaev holds a spot, they can clash. “It’s owed to us as fighters, fans, and the MMA community,” he said.
Nickal isn’t about belittling opponents. He respects Chimaev’s skills. “That guy is freaking good,” he admitted. “He’s a savage.”
A highly-touted prospect, Nickal boasts four UFC wins. His latest was against Paul Craig at UFC 309 in November.
Though proud of his performance, Nickal won by unanimous decision—a result that didn’t dazzle everyone at Madison Square Garden.
Chimaev recently wowed fans with a first-round victory over Robert Whittaker at UFC 308. That earned him 2024’s MMA Fighting Submission of the Year.
What might a Nickal-Chimaev bout look like? Even Nickal isn’t entirely sure but has some thoughts.
“It’s hard to pinpoint where he’s at,” Nickal mused. “He’s got skills, but his stamina could be his downfall against me.”
“You’re not taking me down,” Nickal declared confidently. “I might take you down instead.”
Nickal predicts that as the fight progresses, it will favor him more and more. His view from 30,000 feet? Realistic and strategic.