Undefeated UFC middleweight contender Bo Nickal is convinced that a showdown between him and Khamzat Chimaev would attract massive attention.
Nickal, with a perfect record of 7-0 in MMA and 4-0 in the UFC, has been vocal about his desire to face Chimaev since joining the promotion. Both fighters are undefeated and possess strong grappling skills, and while they have traded words in the past, Chimaev currently holds a higher position in the middleweight rankings and title contention.
Nickal is scheduled to compete against former ONE Championship titleholder Reiner De Ridder in a three-round middleweight match on May 3 at UFC on ESPN 67 in Des Moines, Iowa. Meanwhile, Chimaev is anticipated to be the next challenger for the UFC middleweight champion, Dricus Du Plessis.
Acknowledging his current position, Nickal believes that a future fight against Chimaev has the potential to be a major event.
In a recent interview, Nickal stated, “Without a doubt, a fight with Khamzat is the most exciting matchup in the division, in my opinion. Looking at the UFC landscape, you have potential mega-fights like Jon Jones versus Tom Aspinall, Ilia Topuria possibly facing Islam Makhachev, and then right up there, the next most thrilling fight is me against Khamzat. It’s a fight that fans want to see, that I definitely want, and I believe he wants it too. I just need to keep winning, and we can make it a reality.”
Turning his attention to the anticipated Chimaev versus Du Plessis matchup, Nickal predicts Chimaev`s superior grappling will be a решающий factor.
“It`s a tough fight to call, but I think Dricus has a size advantage and perhaps better cardio,” Nickal analyzed. “Striking is likely even, but Khamzat has a significant edge in grappling. Considering all aspects, I would favor Khamzat due to his wrestling dominance. Opponents aren`t accustomed to facing grapplers of Khamzat`s caliber. It`s a unique challenge.”
Nickal continued, “No matter Dricus`s preparation, he won`t be able to fully prepare for that level of grappling pressure, as he hasn`t experienced it before. In my opinion, only Khamzat and myself possess that kind of grappling ability in the sport currently. This gives Khamzat a distinct advantage, especially as the fight progresses. However, seeing Khamzat`s impressive performance against Whittaker in his last fight, it`s clear he`s a force. Overall, it will be a fantastic fight, but I`m leaning towards Khamzat.”
