Bo Nickal set to face Olympic champion Shirvani Muradov at RAF Moscow
The UFC middleweight will face the Russian in a wrestling match on the same card as Khamzat Chimaev vs. Tyron Woodley.
Bo Nickal is set for another major wrestling challenge. The UFC middleweight will face Olympic freestyle wrestling champion Shirvani Muradov at RAF Moscow on Sept. 5, the promotion announced. The matchup will put one of the most accomplished American wrestlers of his generation against a Russian Olympic gold medalist.
Bo Nickal Faces Olympic Champion
Nickal is no stranger to wrestling success. Before transitioning to MMA, the American became a three-time NCAA Division I champion and won the Dan Hodge Trophy, awarded to the nation's top collegiate wrestler. He also competed at the highest level of freestyle wrestling before making MMA his primary focus.
Last year, Nickal returned to the wrestling mat for RAF's inaugural event, defeating Jacob Cardenas by decision. The UFC fighter has remained active in both sports and is scheduled to face NCAA champion Max McEnelly at RAF 12 on Aug. 22 before taking on Muradov in Moscow.
Muradov, meanwhile, brings an Olympic pedigree to the matchup. Representing Russia, the 41-year-old won gold in the 96 kg division in freestyle wrestling at the 2008 Beijing Olympics and will make his RAF debut against Nickal.
Chimaev vs. Woodley Headlines RAF Moscow
Nickal and Muradov will compete on the same card as another highly anticipated wrestling matchup. Former UFC middleweight champion Khamzat Chimaev is set to face former UFC welterweight champion Tyron Woodley in the main event.
Chimaev made his RAF debut in June, defeating Dillon Danis in the first round. Meanwhile, Woodley is scheduled to make his promotional debut against Joaquin Buckley at RAF 12 in August. The Moscow event will mark another major step for RAF as the promotion continues to attract established names from both MMA and wrestling.
