Bo Dean Nickal, born January 14, 1996, is a wrestling phenom and American MMA fighter boasting an impressive undefeated MMA record of 5 wins in 5 fights (5-0-0). Nickal was born in Rifle, Colorado, and began wrestling at a young age in Wyoming before moving to Rio Rancho, New Mexico, in fifth grade.
Throughout high school, he moved again and became a three-time Texas state champion, winning every state tournament from his sophomore year onward. Additionally, he placed fifth at the 2013 U17 World Championships in freestyle wrestling. After completing his junior year, Nickal committed to wrestle for Pennsylvania State University. Graduating with an impressive 183–7 record, including 131 pins, he was ranked as the nation's ninth-best pound-for-pound wrestler.
Bo Nickal was a dominant force in collegiate wrestling at Penn State. He won three NCAA Division I championships and was a finalist for another year. His success earned him top honors like the Dan Hodge Trophy, two Schalles Awards, and the 2019 Big Ten Athlete of the Year. Now, Nickal transitions to MMA, with a highly-anticipated fight against Cody Brundage headlining UFC 300 on April 13, 2024.
Bo Nickal Olympics
Bo Nickal, the 2019 U23 World Champion, qualified for the 2020 US Olympic Team Trials, which were postponed to 2021 due to COVID-19. Despite reaching the finals, he faced tough competition from David Taylor, a fellow wrestler at Penn State and 2018 World Champion. Nickal lost two matches in a best-of-three, failing to secure a spot on the US Olympic Team.
Also Read: Was Bo Nickal Undefeated in College?
How many titles did Bo Nickal win?
Bo Nickal boasts an impressive array of titles and accolades. Throughout his collegiate wrestling career, he clinched the NCAA Division I Wrestling Championships three times and was a finalist in 2016.
Representing Pennsylvania State University, Nickal also secured the Big Ten Conference Championships three times. In the realm of freestyle wrestling, he emerged victorious at the 2019 U23 World Championship and claimed the US Open national championship.
Nickal's prowess on the mat earned him prestigious awards such as the Dan Hodge Trophy in 2019, recognizing him as the nation's most outstanding collegiate wrestler, and the Schalles Award, which he won twice for being the nation's best pinner. Furthermore, he was honored as the Big Ten Athlete of the Year in 2019, solidifying his status as one of college wrestling's most decorated athletes.
Last Updated On April 10, 2024
FAQs
A. Nickal lost against fellow Penn State wrestler, David Taylor in the finals of the Olympic Team Trials in 2021.
A. Bo Nickal’s includes three NCAA Division I Wrestling Championships, victories at the U23 World Championship and US Open national championship in freestyle wrestling, as well as prestigious awards such as the Dan Hodge Trophy and the Schalles Award.
A. Bo Nickal maintains an MMA record of 5 wins in 5 fights (5-0-0).
A. Bo Nickal stands at 6 feet 1 inches (1.85 meters).
A. As of April 2024, Bo Dean Nickal is 28 years old.
