How Many NCAA Titles Does Bo Nickal Have? A Have a look at His Embellished Pre-UFC Profession

Bo Nickal is presently on a collision course with former ONE Middleweight and Mild Heavyweight Champion Reinier de Ridder. Their extremely anticipated middleweight showdown is scheduled to co-headline the UFC Des Moines battle card on the Wells Fargo Area in Des Moines, Iowa, on Might 3, 2025.

Each fighters are thought to be distinctive grapplers. As such, many view the upcoming bout as an intriguing stylistic matchup that would present followers with a showcase of really elite grappling in MMA. Nickal’s pre-UFC profession was crammed with a number of victories and accomplishments as a wrestler, making him probably the most embellished prospects to enter the game of blended martial arts.

How Many NCAA Titles Does Bo Nickal Have?

As indicated in a latest report by the UFC, Bo Nickal has gained three NCAA Division I championships in novice wrestling. His NCAA Division I file stands at 120 victories and three defeats. The American martial artist can also be a Hodge Trophy winner, additional highlighting his success within the grappling area.

Nickal has additionally represented the US on the worldwide degree in freestyle wrestling. Per the Nationwide Wrestling Corridor of Fame, as a pupil at Pennsylvania State College (Penn State), he grew to become a four-time finalist and three-time NCAA Division I champion. He competed within the 2016, 2017, 2018, and 2019 seasons — ending second in 2016 and first in every of the subsequent three years.

Bo Nickal hails from a household of athletes. His mom, Sandy Nickal, performed basketball and is a former novice boxer. His father, Jason Nickal, is a former soccer participant credited with teaching Bo in his youthful years earlier than returning to finish his faculty training. Bo can also be a talented folkstyle wrestler. It’s believed that the robust athletic basis in his life considerably contributed to his success as an NCAA Division I wrestler.

On that word, sure sections of the fight sports activities neighborhood argue that his submission grappling file doesn’t totally mirror the brilliance of his grappling arsenal. In response to FloGrappling, he’s competed simply thrice in submission grappling and holds a file of 0-1-2. His first match was a submission loss to BJJ legend Gordon Ryan, whereas his subsequent two matches led to attracts.

Regardless, Nickal has efficiently transitioned to and made a mark in MMA. He competed in two novice MMA bouts in 2021, successful each, earlier than making his skilled MMA debut in 2022. The American wrestling standout ultimately made waves by competing within the UFC-affiliated Dana White’s Contender Collection (DWCS), incomes reward from UFC CEO Dana White.

Nickal made his UFC principal roster debut in 2023 and is 4-0 contained in the Octagon up to now. His most up-to-date battle noticed him outpoint Scottish grappling specialist Paul Craig in November 2024. A win over Reinier de Ridder — who is taken into account an incredible grappler in his personal proper — may considerably increase the American’s pursuit of the UFC middleweight title.