Bo Nickal calls Shara Bullet an “easy fight’ but doesn’t expect that next, eyes top-15 opponents after UFC 309 victory

Bo Nickal, a three-time NCAA wrestling champion and rising star in the UFC, is ready for his next challenge after his dominant win over Paul Craig at UFC 309. Speculation about his next opponent is rife, but Nickal has a clear vision for his future. He’s setting his sights on top-15 fighters in the middleweight rankings, emphasizing a calculated climb up the division. Here’s what he had to say about potential matchups, his thoughts on undefeated prospect Shara “Bullet” Magomedov, and why he’s confident in his evolving skill set.

Bo Nickal on Shara Magomedov: “An Easy Fight”

Despite the buzz surrounding both fighters, Nickal doesn’t anticipate a clash with Shara Magomedov anytime soon. When asked about the possibility, Nickal described it as an “easy fight” but noted that the UFC is unlikely to match up two undefeated fighters so early in their careers.

“They wouldn’t match it up,” Nickal said during the Pound-for-Pound podcast. “It would be an easy fight, but for me, there’s no problem in that fight. But let’s talk about it realistically.”

Nickal believes the UFC is keen on preserving the hype behind Magomedov, just as they are invested in building Nickal’s career. Pairing them now would risk diminishing one fighter’s momentum prematurely. Instead, Nickal is focused on climbing the rankings and taking on seasoned middleweights to cement his status as a legitimate contender.

Targeting Ranked Opponents

With a string of dominant performances, Nickal is eyeing fighters ranked No. 10 to No. 15 in the middleweight division. He sees these matchups as the next logical step in his UFC journey, providing opportunities to test and refine his well-rounded MMA skill set.

“Any guy in the top 15 is a tough fight,” Nickal stated. “There’s nobody in the UFC that isn’t good. Even these guys I’m knocking out—on a regional promotion, they’re the best in the organization.”

Nickal named potential opponents such as Michel Pereira, Anthony Hernandez, Roman Kopylov, Roman Dolidze, and Paulo Costa. He also mentioned Kevin Holland, a dangerous striker known for competing in both the welterweight and middleweight divisions.

Confidence Meets Strategic Growth

While confident in his ability to dominate, Nickal respects the challenges posed by top-ranked fighters. His approach prioritizes continuous improvement, particularly in striking, jiu-jitsu, and blending these skills into his already dominant wrestling base.

“These guys all pose interesting threats,” Nickal explained. “They’re all guys I could have trouble with, but at the same time, I believe in my skill set. As I continue to train and blend everything together, I think I can dominate a lot of those guys and make it look easy.”

This balanced mindset reflects Nickal’s maturity as a fighter. Instead of rushing into high-stakes fights against elite opponents, he’s methodically progressing to ensure sustained success in the UFC’s middleweight division.

What’s Next for Bo Nickal?

As Nickal moves toward ranked competition, fans can look forward to thrilling matchups that showcase his evolving abilities. Whether facing a veteran or a rising star, Nickal is ready to prove himself against the division’s best.

With his wrestling pedigree, improving striking, and strategic mindset, Nickal is poised to make waves in the UFC middleweight rankings. Each fight is another step toward championship contention, and his journey is one fans won’t want to miss.