Bo Nickal, a 4-0 UFC competitor, has responded to Michael Chandler’s evaluation of him, and his recent Octagon debut.
In a recent interview, Chandler had commented on Nickal’s potential as a fighter, stating that he saw him as a “big threat” in the sport.
Nickal, who is known for his NCAA championship level wrestling, expressed gratitude for Chandler’s recognition of his abilities. He also acknowledged that he has a lot to learn and improve upon as a fighter.
“I think there’s a lot of wisdom with that statement,” Nickal said. “I think Michael Chandler is a fan of me, I think Michael Chandler wants me to win. First off, he said my potential is exponential, so let’s look at what he’s actually saying. He’s talking about it in a perspective of the fans. If I say ‘Give me Khamzat’…99% of fans are going to say [I’m an idiot]…that’s the perspective that he’s taking. He’s not hating on me at all. I don’t think he’s a guy that would do that because he’s always been cool to me.
“A guy that is as big as Michael Chandler is talking about someone who just made his UFC debut, that’s a big deal. But secondly, I don’t think he’s trying to put me down, I think that’s just how he sees it…if you say these things, the fans are gonna perceive it a certain way, which is true.”
Nickal has a 4-0 record in his professional MMA career so far, with all three wins coming by way of stoppage.
Bo Nickal wins his UFC debut in the first round via submission! 👊 @NoBickal pic.twitter.com/ddKJfgDzer
— WrestlersGrind (@_wrestlersgrind) March 5, 2023
In his most recent showing, his organizational debut on Saturday at UFC 285, Nickal submitted the experienced Jamie Pickett by way of a first round Arm Triangle submission.