On Saturday night at UFC 290, Bo Nickal announced himself to the world on one of the biggest stages possible. As one half of the opening bout on the main card for International Fight week, Nickal was thrust into the Octagon with fellow undefeated prospect, albeit of a much lower level of hype, Val Woodburn. While Nickal was undoubtedly a massive (historic) favorite heading into the bout, few believed that he would emerge victorious in the manner in which he did so. A hugely decorated wrestler, Nickal would rely on none of his trademark skills which have brought him so far in the world of combat sports and would instead rely on his hands in order to secure a first round finish via TKO just 38 seconds into the fight.
Bo Nickal was visibly devastated when he received the news: Tresean Gore, Nickal’s original opponent for Saturday’s UFC 290 in Las Vegas, dropped out...