Khamzat Chimaev Is Too Good for Bo Nickal Right Now

Bo Nickal, a three-time NCAA wrestling champion, has quickly established himself as a rising star in the UFC’s middleweight division. With an undefeated MMA record of 7-0 and an outstanding wrestling background, Nickal has expressed a strong desire to face top contenders like Khamzat Chimaev. Chimaev, undefeated with a record of 14-0, recently showcased his dominance with a first-round submission victory over Robert Whittaker at UFC 308. This performance not only solidified Chimaev’s position in the division but also highlighted his ability to dominate elite fighters in multiple facets of MMA. (TalkSport)

Nickal’s Confidence in Wrestling

During a recent appearance on his podcast, Nickal shared his thoughts on Chimaev’s skills and made bold claims about his own wrestling superiority. He stated:

“Chimaev is absolutely a great fighter. But when it comes to wrestling, I have a clear advantage.”

Nickal, who has not competed in wrestling for approximately three years, remains confident in his abilities. He added:

“I am one of the best wrestlers in the world. There’s no chance Chimaev could do to me what he did to Robert Whittaker at UFC 308.”

Nickal’s elite wrestling credentials, which include multiple NCAA titles, form the foundation of his confidence. He views his background as a decisive factor in a potential matchup against Chimaev. However, as MMA is a multi-disciplinary sport, critics question whether wrestling alone would be enough to handle a fighter as well-rounded as Chimaev.

MMA Is Not Pure Wrestling

Daniel Cormier, a former UFC champion with a stellar wrestling background, agrees that Nickal is one of the best wrestlers in the UFC. However, Cormier was quick to point out that wrestling in MMA differs significantly from traditional wrestling. He explained:

“In the octagon, it’s different. What Bo Nickal says is true, in theory. But in reality, because of experience in the octagon, maybe Khamzat Chimaev still has the edge in wrestling.”

Cormier elaborated on the challenges Nickal would face in adapting his wrestling to MMA’s unique dynamics. He emphasized that techniques such as distance management and timing play a crucial role. Commenting on Chimaev’s recent victory over Whittaker, he said:

“Chimaev would not be able to shoot for a takedown from so far away against Bo Nickal. It simply wouldn’t work.”

Despite these acknowledgments, Cormier stressed that Nickal’s lack of experience in MMA is a critical disadvantage. He drew from his own career experiences, noting that even elite wrestlers need time to transition effectively to the octagon.

Chimaev’s Overall Advantage

Cormier also expressed concern about how Nickal would handle Chimaev’s striking if the fight remained on the feet. He raised an important point:

“My concern is, if you can’t take him (Chimaev) down, what happens then? Chimaev is a better striker. Chimaev hits harder.”

Chimaev’s striking has proven to be a game-changer in his fights, and his ability to seamlessly blend striking with grappling gives him a unique edge. Cormier believes this versatility makes Chimaev a more complete fighter than Nickal at this stage of their respective careers.

A Future Clash in the Making?

While Cormier suggests that Nickal needs more time to develop, he also sees great potential in a future matchup between the two fighters. Nickal himself is enthusiastic about the prospect of facing Chimaev. He expressed his confidence with a bold statement:

“The arena would shake when I crush him.”

For now, however, both fighters are focused on their current paths. Chimaev seems poised for a potential title shot, while Nickal continues to climb the ranks and gain valuable experience in the UFC. A showdown between them could indeed become one of the biggest events in the middleweight division, but it is likely a matchup for the future rather than the present. (MMAnytt)

This article is based on information from MMAnytt.se

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