Chris Curtis comes to the defense of Bo Nickal following uproar over take on Islam Makhachev vs. Carter Starocci in wrestling
Bo Nickal recently rated the chances of Islam Makhachev in high-level college wrestling and Chris Curtis sounded off on fans who were responding with negativity to Nickal.
The decorated amateur wrestler turned surging UFC fighter responded to a post from the r/wrestling sub-reddit asking if the reigning UFC lightweight champion could become a D1 wrestling champion.
Retweeting this shared screenshot on X from @SpinninBackfist, Nickal tweeted:
"Let's consider a few things. Islam would have to wrestle 174 given the amount of weight he cuts. He comes from the mountains of Dagestan which historically produces some of the toughest people on the planet. Islam's mma wrestling is the highest level, which already makes him a formidable opponent."
"He's got tons of competition experience, strength, endurance, and great technique, and a high IQ. He's taken down everyone put in front of him with relative ease. With that being said @carterstarocci wins by pin 1st period."
Via his X account @Actionman513, fellow UFC middleweight Chris Curtis retweeted Nickal's assessment of Makhachev's chances in pure wrestling and responded to fans being critcal of Nickal's breakdown by stating:
"Lol, look at the people in the comments talking down to this man like they have ANY of the accolades Nickal has in the sport. Some of y'all are absolutely wild...."
Check out Chris Curtis' response to those critiquing Bo Nickal's assessment of Islam Makhachev's chances in college wrestling below:
Bo Nickal and his resume as a wrestler
Bo Nickal is as qualified as anyone in the UFC to assess how Islam Makhachev could do in amateur wrestling considering his pedigree in the sport.
The 28-year-old began wrestling between the ages of five and six before parlaying his skillset into a spot on the high school varsity wrestling team while in eighth grade.
After placing second in the New Mexico state wrestling tournament as an eighth grader and a ninth grader, Nickal would put together a spotless record through the rest of his endeavors whilst wrestling on the high school circuit.
He had a 183-7 record and put together 131 pins then became a three-time UIL state champion before continuing with Pennsylvania State University. Nickal would wrestle in three different weight classes during his time with the University.
He would then outright win or at least medal in several seasons with the Big Ten Conference championship and NCAA championship from 174 pounds to 197 pounds.
The Colorado native would then have successful efforts as a freestyle wrestler coming up just short of qualifying for the Olympics before embarking on a mixed martial arts run.