Bo Nickal: “Chimaev Won’t Dominate Me Like Whittaker”

Chimaev’s Rise to Championship Contention – Calls for a high-stakes title fight in 2025

Khamzat Chimaev stunned the MMA world with his dominant victory over Robert Whittaker at UFC 308, showcasing world-class grappling and relentless pressure. This performance solidified his claim as one of the most dangerous fighters in the UFC. Whittaker, a former middleweight champion known for his strong wrestling and sharp striking, was expected to give Chimaev trouble. However, Chimaev controlled the fight from start to finish, leaving no doubt about his championship potential.

With his sights set on UFC gold, Chimaev is now positioned for a title shot against either Sean Strickland or Dricus du Plessis. Fans and analysts alike are also calling for an intriguing showdown between Chimaev and Bo Nickal—a matchup that pits two undefeated grapplers against one another.

Sonnen’s Dream Matchup for 2025

During an episode of Bo Nickal’s podcast, Nickals and Dimes, former UFC star Chael Sonnen voiced his desire to see Chimaev face Nickal. When asked which fight he most anticipated in 2025, Sonnen was quick to highlight the excitement surrounding a potential clash between the two.

“What makes this matchup so compelling is not just their wrestling backgrounds but their undefeated records,” Sonnen said.

Nickal, a three-time NCAA wrestling champion, shares Sonnen’s enthusiasm for the fight. However, he insists that it must happen under the right circumstances.

“It has to be for the belt,” Nickal explained. “This might alter my timeline, but I think it’s a responsibility—to us fighters, to the fans, and to the sport—that this fight is for the world title.”

Nickal’s Confidence in His Skillset

Despite acknowledging Chimaev’s impressive dominance against Whittaker, Nickal remains unwavering in his belief that he is an entirely different challenge. Training with some of the best wrestlers in the world, Nickal asserts that Chimaev’s grappling will not work against him.

“I’m not Robert Whittaker; we’re not the same type of fighter,” Nickal emphasized. “There’s no way he does that to me. I guarantee you, there’s a 0.000% chance he ever dominates me like that.”

Nickal’s confidence is backed by a stellar wrestling resume, which he believes sets him apart from others in the middleweight division. While Chimaev’s wrestling is widely regarded as among the best in MMA, Nickal’s accolades in collegiate wrestling and his rapid development in MMA make this a matchup worth watching.

A Potential Super Fight

The prospect of a Chimaev vs. Nickal fight brings excitement to fans and analysts alike. Both fighters bring unique skill sets and undefeated records, making this a potential super fight in the middleweight division. While Chimaev focuses on his upcoming title shot, Nickal’s bold statements keep the dream of this matchup alive. Whether it happens in 2025 or later, the fight promises to be one of the most compelling in UFC history.

Source: MMAnytt.se

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