Bo Nickal

Last updated

Bo Nickal
Bo Nickal Las Vegas 2023.jpg
Nickal at Las Vegas Motor Speedway in 2023
BornBo Dean Nickal [1]
(1996-01-14) January 14, 1996 (age 28)
Rifle, Colorado, U.S.
Other namesPumper
Height6 ft 1 in (1.85 m)
Weight185 lb (84 kg; 13 st 3 lb)
Division Middleweight (2022–present)
Reach75 in (191 cm)
Style Wrestling
Fighting out of State College, Pennsylvania, U.S.
Team American Top Team
RankBlue belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu [2]
Wrestling NCAA Division I Wrestling [3]
Years active2022–present
Mixed martial arts record
Total6
Wins6
By knockout2
By submission4
Losses0
Amateur record
Total2
Wins2
By knockout1
By submission1
Losses0
Other information
University Pennsylvania State University
Notable school(s) Allen High School (TX)
Mixed martial arts record from Sherdog
Medal record
Men's freestyle wrestling
Representing Flag of the United States (23px).png  United States
U23 World Championships
Gold medal icon (G initial).svg 2019 Budapest 92 kg
US National Championships
Gold medal icon (G initial).svg 2019 Las Vegas 92 kg
Collegiate Wrestling
Representing the Penn State Nittany Lions
NCAA Division I National Championships
Gold medal icon (G initial).svg 2017 St. Louis 184 lbs
Gold medal icon (G initial).svg 2018 Cleveland 184 lbs
Gold medal icon (G initial).svg 2019 Pittsburgh 197 lbs
Silver medal icon (S initial).svg 2016 New York 174 lbs
Big Ten Championships
Gold medal icon (G initial).svg 2016 Iowa City 174 lbs
Gold medal icon (G initial).svg 2018 East Lansing 184 lbs
Gold medal icon (G initial).svg 2019 Minneapolis 197 lbs
Bronze medal icon (B initial).svg 2017 Bloomington 184 lbs

Bo Dean Nickal (born January 14, 1996) is an American professional mixed martial artist, former freestyle and graduated folkstyle wrestler who currently competes in the UFC middleweight division. [4] [5] In freestyle wrestling, he claimed the 2019 U23 World Championship and the US Open national championship, and was a finalist at the 2020 US Olympic Team Trials and a Final X contestant in 2019. [6] [7] [8] As a collegiate wrestler, Nickal was a three-time NCAA Division I national champion (finalist in 2016) and a three-time Big Ten Conference champion out of Pennsylvania State University. [3]

Contents

Considered one of the most accomplished Nittany Lions of all-time, Nickal earned the 2019 Dan Hodge Trophy as the nation's most outstanding collegiate wrestler, was a two-time Schalles Award winner as the nation's best pinner and was also named the 2019 Big Ten Athlete of the Year. [9] [10]

Wrestling career

Background and high school

Nickal was born in Rifle, Colorado, but moved to Wyoming at a young age, where he started wrestling around five or six years old. In fifth grade, he moved to Rio Rancho, New Mexico. Nickal made the varsity high school team while in eighth grade and placed second at the New Mexico state tournament that same season. [11] As a freshman, he moved once again, now to Allen High School in Allen, Texas, placing second at the Texas state tournament as a freshman. [12] He won every state tournament he competed in from his sophomore-year onward, becoming a three-time Texas state champion. [13] [14] [15] As a junior, he placed fifth at the 2013 U17 World Championships in freestyle. [16] After finishing his junior year, Nickal committed to wrestle as a Nittany Lion at the Pennsylvania State University. [17] He graduated from high school with an 183–7 record, including 131 pins, and was the pound-for-pound ninth-ranked wrestler in the nation. [18]

Pennsylvania State University

2014–2015

Nickal opted to compete under a redshirt during his first collegiate year, compiling a 15–2 record in open tournaments while wrestling unattached at 174 pounds. [19]

2015–2016

Entering his freshman season ranked fourteenth in the country, Nickal won his first eighteen matches, claiming titles from the Nittany Lion Open [20] and the Southern Scuffle [21] and notable victories over returning NCAA runner-up Brian Realbuto, multiple DI All-Americans in Zach Epperly, Bryce Hammond and Ethan Ramos, and future NCAA champion Myles Martin. [22] [23] [24] In his nineteenth match, Nickal, now the top-ranked 174 pounder in the country, was defeated by Nate Jackson on points, ending his streak. [25] Afterwards, Nickal bounced back with eight straight wins, including another one over Martin, to finish the regular season with a record of 26–1. [26] At the Big Ten Conference Championships, Nickal claimed three bonus point-victories, including a fall over Martin and a major over Zac Brunson in the finale. [27] [28] Nickal entered the NCAA's as the top-seed, defeating his first three opponents to make the semifinals, where he avenged his regular season loss to Nate Jackson on points, advancing to the finals. [29] In the finals, Nickal faced the eleventh seed in Myles Martin, whom he had already defeated three times earlier, but was defeated by the opposition in a close and frenetic upset, claiming runner-up honors. [30]

Nickal then went up to 86 kilograms for the 2016 US Last Chance World Trials Qualifier (freestyle) in April, where he placed fourth after recording a 5–2 record. [31] He then attempted to make the 2016 U20 US World Team, but was stopped by Zahid Valencia. [32]

2016–2017

As a sophomore, Nickal moved up to the 184 pounds division. [33] During his unbeaten regular season, Nickal pinned his way to the Keystone Classic title [34] and went 14–0 in dual meets, dominantly avenging his NCAA championship loss to Myles Martin, and also including wins over returning NCAA runner-up TJ Dudley and returning All-Americans Sammy Brooks and Nolan Boyd (both by fall). [35] [36] [37] [38] In the postseason, Nickal was upset in the semifinals of the Big Ten Championships by rival Myles Martin, but came back to place third, beating TJ Dudley for the second time. [39] At the NCAA's, Nickal got a technical fall in the first round [40] and three straight falls to make his second finals, notably pinning Dudley and Sammy Brooks. [41] In the finale, Nickal faced undefeated-in-the-season and defending two-time NCAA champion Gabe Dean, whom he was able to edge by a point, claiming his first NCAA title and denying Dean his third. [42]

Fresh off his first collegiate championship, Nickal went back up to 86 kilos to place fourth at the US Freestyle Open, going 4–2. [43]

2017–2018

As a junior, Nickal compiled 23 wins and no losses during regular season, with 21 bonus–point victories, claimed multiple tournament titles and wins over the likes of Domenic Abounader and his nemesis Myles Martin. [3] At the Big Ten Championships, Nickal claimed his second title by beating Martin in the finale, advancing to the NCAAs as the favorite top–seed. [44] At the National tournament, he earned notable wins over '16 MAC champion Jordan Ellingwood, freshman phenom from Cornell Max Dean and Michigan's Domenic Abounader to make the finale, where he scored one of his signature pins in his career over Myles Martin, ending the rivalry, claiming his second NCAA title and clinching the team title for PSU. [45] Due to his dominance, he was awarded the NCAA Championship Outstanding Wrestler award (MVP) [46] and the prestigious Schalles Award as the nation's top pinner. [47]

2018–2019

As a redshirt senior, Nickal moved up once again to 197 pounds. At this new weight class, he comfortably won the Big Ten Conference Championship for the second time consecutively and third time overall. [48] At his last NCAA tournament, he dominated all three matches to get to the final, pinning his first two opponents and getting a major in the semifinals. In the finals, Nickal defeated the second seeded Kollin Moore by points (5-1) to claim the NCAA title, [49] becoming one of the four Penn State wrestlers to win three NCAA National Championships and the third one (along with David Taylor and Jason Nolf) to be a four-time NCAA Finalist. [50] At the end of the season, he was awarded the Dan Hodge Trophy as nation's best college wrestler [51] and the Schalles Award (for the second time consecutively) as US' top pinner. [47] He was also named 2019 Co-Big Ten wrestler of the Year, Penn State Male Athlete of the Year, and Big Ten Male Athlete of the Year. [52] [53]

Freestyle career

2019

Once his final run in collegiate wrestling was over, Nickal immediately turned his focus solely to freestyle. [52] Going back to the style after two years, Nickal competed at the US Open, bulking up to 92 kilograms instead of going down to 86 kilos due to teammate David Taylor being the returning World Champion in the weight class. [54] He walked through his competition, stopping five opponents (three by technical fall and two by fall) and earning the championship. [55]

After winning the US Open, Nickal automatically advanced to the finals of the US World Team Trials Challenge Tournament, in which he faced Michael Macchiavello in a best-of-three rematch. [56] He dominated the first match winning by technical fall (10–0) and in the second match he would outscore his opponent 5–0, without letting him to score a point in either match. [57]

Nickal wrestled in two straight matches against returning World Champion J'den Cox for the spot to represent the United States at the 2019 World Championships. [57] In the first match, he was outscored 2–4 and wasn't able to score offensively, and in the second, he wasn't able to score a single point, while Cox scored 5 of his own, losing the series. [58] [59]

As a 23-year old Final X contestant, Nickal had the right to compete at the US U23 World Team Trials against the Challenge Tournament winner, Jakob Woodley. [59] The special wrestle-offs took place during the Fargo Nationals. Nickal dominated 12–4 in the first match and 8–2 in the second match, earning the right to represent United States at the U23 World Championships. [57] [58]

At the U23 World Championships, Nickal defeated three opponents (one by fall, one by technical fall and one by points) including Shamil Zubairov, the returning champion, to get to the finals, where he faced 2018 Russian National champion Batyrbek Tsakulov (whom he had lost to at the 2013 Cadet World Championships). [6] Nickal was able to avenge his loss with a 12–2 technical fall victory to earn the championship. [60] [58]

2020

By the start of 2020, Nickal moved up to 97 kilograms in an attempt to take out reigning Olympic Gold medalist Kyle Snyder. [61] He effortlessly passed the first round by technical fall before facing Mohammad Hossein Mohammadian (winner of the championship), who would nullify Nickal to a 0–10 technical fall, marking the first time he had been defeated in such fashion in freestyle (since graduating) or college. In the consolation bracket, he would also have a tough time, as he had a close match with Alisher Yergali in which he was down 11–12 but was able to secure a last second takedown and earn a 13–12 point-victory. Next in the bracket was Kyle Snyder, however, Nickal did not appear on the mat, forcing the match to be ruled as a forfeit victory for Snyder and also eliminating Nickal from the tournament, placing seventh. [62] [63]

As a 2019 U23 World Champion, Nickal qualified for the 2020 US Olympic Team Trials. [64] He was scheduled to compete at the event on April, however, it was postponed for 2021 due to the coronavirus pandemic along with the 2020 Summer Olympics. [65] As a champion at a non-olympic weight, Nickal was supposed to decide whether he was going to compete at 86 or 97 kilograms, but this decision never became public as the events were postponed. [66] On September 21, he announced that he would compete at 86 kilograms in 2021. [67]

Nickal returned to the mats against Alex Dieringer on September 19, at the NLWC I, making his debut at 86 kilograms since completely crossing over. [68] Dieringer scored the first point via push-out early in the first period, however, he was put on the shot-clock due to passivity with 1 minute and 30 seconds left on the match. Nickal tied it up after defending the attacks of his opponent, earning a point and therefore the criteria as the last one to do so. He was able to earn the victory via criteria after neither of them were able to score more points. [69] [70] Nickal was later scheduled to wrestle 2020 US National runner-up Nate Jackson on November 24, at the NLWC III, [71] but was removed from the card a day before the event. [72]

2021

After a somewhat inactive previous year, Nickal wrestled two-time NCAA Division I National Champion Gabe Dean in a rematch from their 2017 NCAA championship match, on February 23, at the NLWC V. [73] After a scramble-full match, Nickal was defeated by Dean in a close bout. [74]

In early April, Nickal competed at the rescheduled US Olympic Team Trials as the sixth seed, in an attempt to represent the United States at the 2020 Summer Olympics. [75] In the challenge tournament Nickal defeated '21 NCAA champion from Penn State Carter Starocci (round of 16), '19 US Open champion and third-seeded Pat Downey (quarterfinals), and '19 US National champion Zahid Valencia (semifinals). [76] [77] In the best–of–three finals, Nickal faced fellow Penn State legend and '18 World Champion David Taylor. Nickal lost twice by scores of 0–4 and 0–6, failing to make the US Olympic Team and break Taylor's 45–match win streak. [78] Taylor would go on to claim the gold medal at the Summer Olympics. [79] In regards to their close relationship, Taylor then stated: [80]

"It was a weird emotion," Taylor said. "We had a discussion leading up to it, and we have such a deep room in the wrestling club, especially at 86 kilos, so we're challenged every single day and none of us would be where we are without each other. Bo's amazing, and I wouldn't be where I am without Bo."

Mixed martial arts career

Early career

On November 10, 2019, it was announced that Nickal had signed an MMA management deal with First Round Management, expecting to make the transition to the sport. [81] It was also announced that Nickal had serious plans on partnering with Dan Lambert and opening a new American Top Team facility at Pleasant Gap, Pennsylvania. [82] The building process started on October 23, 2020, and the gym became active on July 2, 2021. [83] [84]

After the 2020 US Olympic Trials for wrestling, Nickal made his amateur mixed martial arts debut against David Conley on September 24, 2021, winning via arm-triangle choke submission in round one. [85] In his next bout, Nickal scored a one-punch knockout over Billy Goode on November 5, 2021. [86]

Nickal made his professional MMA debut in the middleweight division against John Noland on June 3, 2022, at the Greater Richmond Convention Center in Richmond, Virginia as part of Jorge Masvidal’s iKon FC event. [87] Nickal won the fight via knockout less than a minute into the first round. [88]

Dana White's Contender Series

For his second professional match, Nickal faced Zachary Borrego on August 9, 2022, at Dana White's Contender Series 49. [89] At weight ins, Borrego missed weight by 1.5 pounds, coming in at 187.5 lbs. The bout proceeded at catchweight and Borrego was fined a percentage of his purse, which went to Nickal. [90] He won the fight via rear-naked choke submission early in the first round. [91] Nickal was not awarded a contract due to his inexperience, with UFC president Dana White instead opting to arrange another fight for Nickal on the Contender Series. [92]

Nickal faced Donovan Beard at Dana White's Contender Series 56 on September 27, 2022. [93] Nickal submitted Beard in 52 seconds via triangle choke, once again not absorbing a significant strike. After this performance, Nickal was awarded his first UFC contract. [94]

Ultimate Fighting Championship

Nickal was scheduled to make his UFC debut against Jamie Pickett on December 10, 2022, at UFC 282. [95] However, Nickal withdrew due to injury. [96] The bout was rescheduled for March 4, 2023 at UFC 285. [97] He won the fight via an arm-triangle choke submission in the first round. [98] This win earned him the Performance of the Night award. [99] Following the fight, Pickett's manager announced plans to appeal the fight to the Nevada State Athletic Commission on the grounds that Nickal took advantage of an uncalled groin shot to win the fight. [100]

Nickal was scheduled to face Tresean Gore on July 8, 2023, at UFC 290. [101] However, Gore withdrew just days before the event due to a torn ligament in his wrist. [102] He was replaced by promotional newcomer Val Woodburn. [103] Nickal finished the bout 38 seconds into the first round via TKO stoppage. [104]

Nickal faced Cody Brundage on April 13, 2024, at UFC 300. [105] He won the fight by rear-naked choke submission in the second round. [106]

Submission grappling career

Nickal competed in the first submission grappling match of his combat sports career at Third Coast Grappling 3 on December 7, 2019, when he faced Gordon Ryan in the main event. Nickal was submitted with a triangle choke. [107]

Nickal represented iKon FC in a team grappling tournament at UFC Fight Pass Invitational 2 on July 3, 2022. [108] He fought Eliot Kelly to a draw in the opening round and fought Oliver Taza to a draw in the final, with iKon FC taking second place in the tournament. [109]

Personal life

Nickal is the son of Jason and Sandy Nickal. They were both college athletes, as his mother played basketball at San Diego State University and his father played football at Chadron State College. [110] Jason coached Nickal as a youth until he went off to college at Penn State. [111] His mother Sandy is also a former amateur boxer. [112]

Nickal is a Christian. He stated his faith in God helps alleviate the pressure he feels in competition, "Win or lose, I'm still the same person and my family loves me and I still serve a great God, and, you know, that's just part of his plan for my life is to wrestle. So I do feel like it's important, but at the end of the day that's not what defines me. I just have placed my identity in Jesus Christ and I go out there and compete freely and the best I can every match." [113] As a child, his favorite wrestler was two-time Olympic Gold Medalist John Smith. Apart from wrestling, he is also an enthusiast of spikeball [114] and likes American football, his favorite player being former Detroit Lions player Barry Sanders. [111]

Nickal married his wife Maddie Holmberg on December 12, 2020. [115] Maddie is the daughter of Rob Holmberg who played football at Penn State and in the NFL.

Championships and accomplishments

Mixed martial arts

Mixed martial arts record

Professional record breakdown
6 matches6 wins0 losses
By knockout20
By submission40
Res.RecordOpponentMethodEventDateRoundTimeLocationNotes
Win6–0 Cody Brundage Submission (rear-naked choke) UFC 300 April 13, 202423:38 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Win5–0Valentine WoodburnTKO (punches) UFC 290 July 8, 202310:38 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Win4–0 Jamie Pickett Submission (arm-triangle choke) UFC 285 March 4, 202312:54 Las Vegas, Nevada, United StatesPerformance of the Night.
Win3–0Donovan BeardSubmission (triangle choke) Dana White's Contender Series 56 September 27, 202210:52 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Win2–0Zachary BorregoSubmission (rear-naked choke) Dana White's Contender Series 49 August 9, 202211:02 Las Vegas, Nevada, United StatesCatchweight (187.5 lb) bout; Borrego missed weight.
Win1–0John NolandKO (punches)Jorge Masvidal's iKon FC 3June 3, 202210:33 Richmond, Virginia, United StatesMiddleweight debut.

[117]

Freestyle record

Senior freestyle wrestling matches
Res.RecordOpponentScoreDateEventLocation
2020 US Olympic Team Trials Silver medal icon.svg at 86 kg
Loss28–10 Flag of the United States.svg David Taylor 0–6April 2–3, 2021 2020 US Olympic Team Trials Flag of the United States.svg Fort Worth, Texas
Loss28–9 Flag of the United States.svg David Taylor 0–4
Win28–8 Flag of the United States.svg Zahid Valencia 12–5
Win27–8 Flag of the United States.svg Pat Downey TF 13–3
Win26–8 Flag of the United States.svg Carter Starocci 6–1
Loss25–8 Flag of the United States.svg Gabe Dean 2–3February 23, 2021 NLWC V

Flag of the United States.svg State College, Pennsylvania

Win25–7 Flag of the United States.svg Alex Dieringer 1–1September 19, 2020 NLWC I
2020 Matteo Pellicone Ranking Series 7th at 97 kg
Win24–7 Flag of Kazakhstan.svg Alisher Yergali 13–12January 15–18, 2020Matteo Pellicone Ranking Series 2020

Flag of Italy.svg Rome, Italy

Loss23–7 Flag of Iran.svg Mohammad Mohammadian TF 0–10
Win23–6 Flag of Germany.svg George Stark SeregeTF 11–1
2019 U23 World Championships Gold medal icon.svg at 92 kg
Win22–6 Flag of Russia.svg Batyrbek Tsakulov TF 12–2October 30, 2019 2019 U23 World Championships

Flag of Hungary.svg Budapest, Hungary

Win21–6 Flag of Azerbaijan.svg Shamil Zubairov 9–1October 29, 2019
Win20–6 Flag of Japan.svg Takumi TanizakiFall
Win19–6 Flag of Iran.svg Hossein ShahbazigazvarTF 12–2
2019 US U23 World Team Trials Gold medal icon.svg at 92 kg
Win18–6 Flag of the United States.svg Jake Woodley12–4July 16, 20192019 Fargo Nationals (special wrestle-off)

Flag of the United States.svg Fargo, North Dakota

Win17–6 Flag of the United States.svg Jake Woodley8–2
2019 US World Team Trials Silver medal icon.svg at 92 kg
Loss16–6 Flag of the United States.svg J'den Cox 0–5June 8, 2019 2019 Final X: Rutgers

Flag of the United States.svg New Brunswick, New Jersey

Loss16–5 Flag of the United States.svg J'den Cox 2–4June 7, 2019
Win16–4 Flag of the United States.svg Michael Macchiavello 5–0May 19, 20192019 US World Team Trials Challenge Tournament

Flag of the United States.svg Lincoln, Nebraska

Win15–4 Flag of the United States.svg Michael Macchiavello TF 10–0May 18, 2019
2019 US Open Gold medal icon.svg at 92 kg
Win14–4 Flag of the United States.svg Hayden ZillmerTF 13–3April 24–27, 20192019 US Open National Championships

Flag of the United States.svg Las Vegas, Nevada

Win13–4 Flag of the United States.svg Michael Macchiavello TF 14–4
Win12–4 Flag of the United States.svg Scottie BoykinTF 10–0
Win11–4 Flag of the United States.svg Patrick RhoadsFall
Win10–4 Flag of the United States.svg Jamal LewisFall
2017 US Open 4th at 86 kg
Loss9–4 Flag of the United States.svg Nick Heflin8–10April 29, 20172017 US Open National Championships

Flag of the United States.svg Las Vegas, Nevada

Win9–3 Flag of the United States.svg Pat Downey TF 12–2
Loss8–3 Flag of the United States.svg Richard Perry8–10
Win8–2 Flag of the United States.svg John StaudenmayerTF 10–0April 28, 2017
Win7–2 Flag of the United States.svg Timmy McCallTF 10–0
Win6–2 Flag of the United States.svg Randy KeeslerTF 10–0
2016 US Last Chance OTT 4th at 86 kg
Loss5–2 Flag of the United States.svg Nick HeflinFallApril 3, 20162016 US Last Chance Olympic Team Trials Qualifier

Flag of the United States.svg Cedar Falls, Iowa

Win5–1 Flag of the United States.svg Robert Hamlin10–8
Win4–1 Flag of the United States.svg Victor TerrellTF 10–0
Win3–1 Flag of the United States.svg Frank Richmond14–10
Loss2–1 Flag of the United States.svg Kevin SteinhausTF 1–12
Win2–0 Flag of the United States.svg Austin FaunceTF 10–0
Win1–0 Flag of the United States.svg Wesley SchultzTF 10–0

NCAA record

NCAA Division I Record
Res.RecordOpponentScoreDateEvent
End of 2018–2019 Season (senior year)
2019 NCAA Championships Gold medal icon.svg at 197 lbs
Win120–3 Kollin Moore 5–1March 21–23, 2019 2019 NCAA Division I National Championships
Win119–3Patrick BruckiFall
Win118–3Nathan TraxlerMD 14–4
Win117–3Josh HokitFall
Win116–3Ethan LairdFall
2019 Big Ten Conference Gold medal icon.svg at 197 lbs
Win115–3 Kollin Moore 10–3March 9–10, 20192019 Big Ten Conference Championships
Win114–3Eric SchultzMD 10–2
Win113–3Brad WiltonTF 19–4
Win112–3Brett PerryFallFebruary 24, 2019Buffalo - Penn State Dual
Win111–3Matt WroblewskiTF 19–3February 17, 2019Penn State- Illinois Dual
Win110–3Brad WiltonFallFebruary 15, 2019Michigan State - Penn State Dual
Win109–3 Kollin Moore FallFebruary 8, 2019Penn State - Ohio State Dual
Win108–3Jackson StriggowFallFebruary 2, 2019Michigan - Penn State Dual
Win107–3Kleimola JakeFallJanuary 27, 2019Penn State - Indiana State Dual
Win106–3Christian BrunnerMD 17–6January 25, 2019Penn State - Purdue Dual
Win105–3Eric Schultz8–6January 20, 2019Nebraska - Penn State Dual
Win104–3Beau BreskeMD 14–4January 13, 2019Wisconsin - Penn State Dual
Win103–3Zack ChakonisFallJanuary 11, 2019Penn State - Northwestern Dual
2019 Southern Scuffle Gold medal icon.svg at 197 lbs
Win102–3Nathan TraxlerFallJanuary 1–2, 20192019 Southern Scuffle
Win101–3Tom SleighFall
Win100–3Joshua RoetmanFall
Win99–3Luke McGonigalFall
Win98–3Tyrie HoughtonFall
Win97–3Austyn HarrisFallDecember 14, 2018Arizona State - Penn State Dual
Win96–3Jake JakobsenTF 19–4December 14, 2018Lehigh - Penn State Dual
Win95–3Drew PhippsMD 16–6November 30, 2018Penn State - Bucknell Dual
2018 Keystone Classic Gold medal icon.svg at 197 lbs
Win94–3Stephen LoiseauMD 18–4November 18, 20182018 Keystone Classic
Win93–3Ethan LairdFall
Win92–3Benjamin MarkulecFall
Win91–3Shane MastFallNovember 11, 2018Maryland - Ohio State Dual
Start of 2018–2019 Season (senior year)
End of 2017–2018 Season (junior year)
2018 NCAA Championships Gold medal icon.svg at 184 lbs
Win90–3 Myles Martin FallMarch 15–17, 2018 2018 NCAA Division I National Championships
Win89–3 Domenic Abounader 6–3
Win88–3Max Dean13–7
Win87–3Jordan Ellingwood10–4
Win86–3Martin MuellerMD 16–4
2018 Big Ten Conference Gold medal icon.svg at 184 lbs
Win85–3 Myles Martin 7–4March 3–4, 20182018 Big Ten Conference Championships
Win83–3Emery Parker5–2
Win84–3Brandon KroneFall
Win82–3Brett PerryFallFebruary 18, 2018Buffalo - Penn State Dual
Win81–3Mitch BowmanFallFebruary 10, 2018Iowa - Penn State Dual
Win80–3 Myles Martin MD 10–2February 3, 2018Ohio State - Penn State Dual
Win79–3Nicholas Gravina6–5January 28, 2018Penn State - Rutgers Dual
Win78–3Dylan AndersonFallJanuary 26, 2018Minnesota - Penn State Dual
Win77–3Niko CapelloFallJanuary 21, 2018Penn State - Maryland Dual
Win76–3Max LyonFallJanuary 19, 2018Purdue - Penn State Dual
Win75–3Shwan ShadaiaFallJanuary 14, 2018Penn State -Michigan State Dual
Win74–3 Domenic Abounader 5–2January 12, 2018Penn State - Michigan Dual
2018 Southern Scuffle Gold medal icon.svg at 184 lbs
Win73–3Drew FosterMD 10–2January 1–2, 20182018 Southern Scuffle
Win72–3Nick RenanMD 12-4
Win71–3Stanley SmeltzerFall
Win70–3Austin FloresFall
Win69–3Nick MoscoFall
Win68–3Norman ConleyFallDecember 17, 2017Indiana - Penn State Dual
Win67–3Ryan PreischTF 19–4December 14, 2017Penn State - Lehigh Dual
2017 Keystone Classic Gold medal icon.svg at 184 lbs
Win66–3Mitch SligaFallNovember 19, 20172017 Keystone Classic
Win65–3Josh MurphyFall
Win64–3Kanon DeanTF 24–9
Win63–3Ben WagnerFall
Win62–3Steve SchneiderMD 15–6November 17, 2017Penn State - Binghamton Dual
Win61–3Drew PhippsTF 16–6November 12, 2017Bucknell - Penn State Dual
Win60–3Noah StewardFallNovember 11, 2017Army - Penn State Dual
Start of 2017–2018 Season (junior year)
End of 2016–2017 Season (sophomore year)
2017 NCAA Championships Gold medal icon.svg at 184 lbs
Win59–3 Gabe Dean 4–3March 16–18, 2017 2017 NCAA Division I National Championships
Win58–3Sammy BrooksFall
Win57–3TJ DudleyFall
Win56–3Steve SchneiderFall
Win55–3Mitch SligaTF 15–0
2017 Big Ten Conference Bronze medal icon.svg at 184 lbs
Win54–3TJ Dudley14–9March 4–5, 20172017 Big Ten Conference Championships
Win53–3Emery Parker8–2
Loss52–3 Myles Martin 4–6
Win52–2Hunter RitterFall
Win51–2Nolan BoydFallFebruary 19, 2017Penn State- Oklahoma State Dual
Win50–2Idris WhiteFallFebruary 12, 2017Maryland - Penn State Dual
Win49–2Emery ParkerMD 18–5February 10, 2017Illinois -Penn State Dual
Win48–2 Myles Martin 8–2February 3, 2017Penn State - Ohio State Dual
Win47–2Mitch SligaMD 10–1Januany 29, 2017Penn State - Northwestern Dual
Win46–2Hunter RitterFallJanuary 27, 2017Penn State - Wisconsin Dual
Win45–2Sammy BrooksFallJanuary 20, 2017Penn State - Iowa Dual
Win44–2Nicholas GravinaFallJanuary 13, 2017Rutgers - Penn State Dual
Win43–2TJ Dudley10–5January 8, 2017Penn State - Nebraska Dual
Win42–2Robert StevesonFallJanuary 6, 2017Penn State - Minnesota Dual
Win41–2Steve SchneiderTF 18–7December 12, 2016Binghamton - Penn State Dual
Win40–2Kyle GentileFallDecember 4, 2016Lehigh - Bucknell Dual
2016 Keystone Classic Gold medal icon.svg at 184 lbs
Win39–2Mitch SligaFallNovember 20, 20162016 Keystone Classic
Win38–2Anthony ManciniFall
Win37–2Kayne MacCallumFall
Win36–2Elliot AntlerFall
Win35–2Austin FloresFallNovember 13, 2016Standford - Penn State Dual
Win34–2Samson ImonodeFallNovember 11, 2016Penn State - Army Dual
Start of 2016–2017 Season (sophomore year)
End of 2015–2016 Season (freshman year)
2016 NCAA Championships Silver medal icon.svg at 174 lbs
Loss33–2 Myles Martin 9–11March 17–19, 2016 2016 NCAA Division I National Championships
Win33–1Nate Jackson4–3
Win32–1Chandler RogersMD 15–4
Win31–1Micah Barnes7–2
Win30–1Josef JohnsonMD 10–2
2016 Big Ten Conference Gold medal icon.svg at 174 lbs
Win29–1Zac BrunsonMD 18–9March 5–6, 20162016 Big Ten Conference Championships
Win28–1 Myles Martin Fall
Win27–1Phillip BakuckasMD 15–3
Win26–1Hestin LamonsTF 17–2February 21, 2016Oklahoma State - Penn State Dual
Win25–1Travis CurleyTF 24–9Feb 13, 2016Michigan State - Penn State Dual
Win24–1Gordon WolfMD 14–6Feb 12, 2016Penn State - Lehigh Dual
Win23–1 Myles Martin 11–5February 5, 2016Ohio State - Penn State Dual
Win22–1Davonte MahomesINJJanuary 31, 2016Michigan - Penn State Dual
Win21–1Zac BrunsonFallJan 23, 2016Penn State - Illinois Dual
Win20–1Mitch SligaFallJan 17, 2016Penn State - Northwestern Dual
Win19–1Micah Barnes10–3January 15, 2016Nebraska - Penn State Dual
Loss18–1Nate Jackson6–7January 12, 2016Penn State - Indiana Dual
Win18–0Jacob MorrisseyTF 16–1January 8, 2016Penn State - Purdue Dual
2016 Southern Scuffle Gold medal icon.svg at 174 lbs
Win17–0Ethan Ramos11–7January 1–2, 20162016 Southern Scuffle
Win16–0Brian Realbuto14–7
Win15–0Mike Ottinger4–3
Win14–0Fox BaldwinMD 15–6
Win13–0Movahedi SohrabTF 20–2
Win12–0Randy RodenTF 17–1
Win11–0Wayne StinsonFallDecember 19, 2015Penn State - Rider Dual
Win10–0Ricky RobertsonMD 15–2December 19, 2015Wisconsin - Penn State Dual
2015 Nittany Lion Open Gold medal icon.svg at 174 lbs
Win9–0 Myles Martin 4–3December 6, 20152015 Nittany Lion Open
Win8–0Anthony PafumiFall
Win7–0Domenic PrezziaFall
Win6–0Nick StephaniTF 25–8
Win5–0Graham RatermannFall
Win4–0Keaton SubjeckMD 12–4November 22, 2015Penn State - Stanford Dual
Win3–0Bryce HammondFallNovember 20, 2015Penn State – CSU Bakersfield Dual
Win2–0Zach Epperly6–2November 15, 2015Penn State – Virginia State Dual
Win1–0Tyler WoodTF 21–6November 13, 2015Lock Havon – Penn State Dual
Start of 2015–2016 Season (freshman year)

Stats

SeasonYearSchoolRankWeigh ClassRecordWinBonus
2019Senior Penn State University #1 (1st)19730–0100.00%90.00%
2018Junior#1 (1st)18431–0100.00%74.19%
2017Sophomore#2 (1st)18426–196.30%77.78%
2016Freshman#1 (2nd)17433–294.29%65.71%
Career120–397.65%76.77%

[26]

Submission grappling record

3 Matches, 0 Wins, 1 Loss (1 Submission), 2 Draws
ResultRec.OpponentMethodEventDivisionTypeYearLocation
Draw0–1–2 Flag of Canada (Pantone).svg Oliver TazaDraw (time limit)UFC Fight Pass Invitational 2OpenNogiJuly 3, 2022 Flag of the United States.svg Las Vegas, Nevada
Draw0–1–1 Flag of the United States.svg Elliot KellyDraw (time limit)
Loss0–1 Flag of the United States.svg Gordon Ryan Submission (triangle choke)Third Coast Grappling 3SuperfightNogiDecember 7, 2019 Flag of the United States.svg Houston, Texas

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  108. ↑ Lindsey, Alex. "UFC Fight Pass Invitational Announces Teams For Second Event". Jitsmagazine. Retrieved August 22, 2023.
  109. ↑ "UFC Fight Pass Invitational 2 Full Results And Review". Jitsmagazine. Retrieved August 22, 2023.
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  114. ↑ Collegian, Shane Connelly | The Daily. "How the Spikeball match between Penn State football's Micah Parsons and former Penn State wrestler Bo Nickal came to fruition". The Daily Collegian. Retrieved May 2, 2020.
  115. ↑ "SEE IT: Bo Nickal, Maddie Holmberg share wedding photos". Penn State Daily Collegian. December 13, 2021. Retrieved January 4, 2022. (Note that registries for the couple list December 12 as the wedding date).
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