Bo Nickal Reacts to Israel Adesanya Fight Calls: "I Would Be Interested"
Bo Nickal is open to fighting UFC legend Israel Adesanya but he does not think the former champ's camp will be interested in pairing him up with a grappler.
Bo Nickal isn't one to shy away from big names, and the rising middleweight star has his eyes on one of the division's biggest legends. Following chatter among fight fans and fantasy matchmakers proposing a clash against former two-time middleweight champion Israel Adesanya, the wrestling phenom made it clear that he is more than down for the matchup, though he doubts the feeling is mutual.
The three-time NCAA Division I national champion has stormed onto the UFC scene with a 9-1 professional MMA record, securing six finishes across his career. With elite wrestling and growing striking confidence, Nickal has continuously called out top contenders as he works his way up the 185-pound rankings.
Interest From One Side, Doubt From the Other
Addressing the hypothetical matchup, Nickal admitted that while he loves the idea of testing his skills against "The Last Stylebender," he doubts the former champion's team would jump at the offer.
"I would be interested in it, I don't know that their side would be interested in it," Nickal stated. "I think he's in a tough position, you know later in his career, changing gyms, different stuff and I don't know if that's a fight he wants."
Adesanya (24-6) remains one of the most decorated strikers in UFC history, boasting 16 knockout victories and an iconic reign over the middleweight division. However, recent setbacks and changes in his training camp have sparked conversations about his next move in the sport. While Adesanya has insisted he has no plans of hanging up the gloves just yet, facing a credentialed grappler like Nickal presents a massive risk-to-reward ratio for the veteran.
For Nickal, a matchup against Adesanya would mark a massive leap in competition, but it fits his career trajectory of seeking the biggest fights possible. Since earning his contract on Dana White’s Contender Series, Nickal has proven to be a quick study inside the Octagon, blending his division-leading wrestling control with developing power in his hands.
Whether UFC matchmakers actually entertain the idea remains to be seen. But if Adesanya is looking for a marquee challenge to re-establish his footing in the division, Bo Nickal is ready and willing to step up to the plate.
