Former Penn State wrestling champion Bo Nickal makes pro MMA debut on UFC Fight Pass in June
![Bo Nickal [via Tony Rotundo/WrestlersAreWarriors.com]](https://staticg.sportskeeda.com/editor/2022/05/e5f20-16517866957476-1920.jpg?w=500)
Three-time Penn State wrestling national champion Bo Nickal will make his professional MMA debut with the UFC in early June.
The UFC announced the professional and promotional debut of the highly anticipated amateur on Tuesday, May 3. Nickal will make his first UFC appearance against another tough competitor on UFC Fight Pass on June 3.
Below is the official announcement provided by the promotion's Twitter:
BREAKING NEWS
3x National Champion @NoBickal is OFFICIALLY making his pro MMA debut on #UFCFIGHTPASS! https://t.co/cOUJPsbB9I
It took two amateur victories for one of the most successful MMA platforms in history to notice Nickal's talents.
Who is Bo Nickal?
![Bo Nickal wins 197-pound match in 2019 [via AP photo/Gene J. Puskar]](https://staticg.sportskeeda.com/editor/2022/05/ef4b0-16517874132518-1920.jpg)
The Penn State alum is already on the right foot for a phenomenal career in mixed martial arts. He currently trains with the American Top Team. The gym is home to some of the best MMA fighters, such as two-time welterweight title challenger Colby Covington and former two-division women's champion Amanda Nunes.
At just 26 years old, Nickal is a former three-time NCAA national wrestling champion at Penn State. After his senior year as a Nittany Lion, the young wrestling sensation went on to pursue a career in MMA. It was rocky at first, as Nickal lost his first professional grappling match at Third Coast Grappling 3.
However, Nickal's amateur MMA debut with Square Rings Promotions in 2021 was nothing short of impressive. He came out the victor, defeating his opponent David Conley early in round one with a guillotine choke. Less than two months later, he obtained another impressive win after knocking out Billy Goode in the first round. The clean left-hook even caught the attention of BMF champion Jorge Masvidal.
Below is Masvidal's reaction to the KO:
Manslaughter by Bo “ko” Nickal @NoBickal #supernecessary https://t.co/wtrOdPU5fY
Additionally, Nickal has flaunted that he has trained with Masvidal in the past. He used his wrestling skills to help prepare 'Gamebred' for his grudge match with Covington back in March.
From winning NCAA wrestling titles to dominating opponents in MMA, the young fighter is well on his way to making headlines with the professionals. His amateur record stands at 2 wins and 0 losses. This June, fans will get to see his skills utilized in the UFC.