Is Bo Nickal better than Jon Jones and Khamzat Chimaev at wrestling? UFC 285 opponent Jamie Pickett answers (Exclusive)
Jamie Pickett isn't convinced about the hype surrounding wrestling phenom Bo Nickal and recently weighed in on whether 'The Allen Assassin' is a better wrestler than Jon Jones and Khamzat Chimaev. Nickal is considered one of the most exciting prospects the UFC has signed recently.
Nickal will make his UFC debut against 'The Night Wolf' in a middleweight bout, opening the pay-per-view main card on March 4. While the 27-year-old American's professional MMA career (3-0-0) is still in its infancy, the three-time NCAA wrestling champion is a highly accomplished wrestler with numerous accolades to prove it.
In an exclusive interview with Andrew Whitelaw for Sportskeeda MMA, Jamie Pickett was asked whether he thinks Bo Nickal could be the best wrestler in the UFC.
The 34-year-old middleweight replied:
"No, cause' Jon Jones is still in the UFC. I don't know...I really don't know too much about him."
Pickett further opined that Bo Nickal couldn't be compared to grappling phenom Khamzat Chimaev regarding wrestling:
"No, Khamzat is... What I can see, is that's a whole another animal. Whole another level."
Watch the full interview below:
UFC 285: Jamie Pickett weighs in on Jon Jones vs. Ciryl Gane
Jamie Pickett is clear on who he's backing to win the vacant heavyweight title at UFC 285 this weekend.
The 34-year-old middleweight veteran recently revealed his prediction for the headlining fight at the upcoming pay-per-view event between Jon Jones and Ciryl Gane.
'Bones' is set to return to the octagon after a hiatus of almost three years. Jones will make his heavyweight debut against the No.1-ranked contender in the division, Gane, as they clash for the title at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
Jamie Pickett will also face Bo Nickal in a middleweight contest that will open the main card of UFC 285. While the two men were previously scheduled to clash at UFC 282 last December, the fight had to be rescheduled due to 'The Allen Assassin' pulling out due to injury.
Ahead of his bout this weekend, the 34-year-old North Carolina native weighed in on the headliner of UFC 285 and picked Jon Jones to get the job done. In the same exclusive interview with Sportskeeda MMA, Pickett stated:
"Yeah, I got him winning. I'll never bet against Jon Jones. He's the GOAT."
Jones last stepped into the octagon in 2020 against Dominick Reyes, edging out a decision win to maintain his winning streak. 'Bon Gamin' is coming off a win against Tai Tuivasa at UFC Paris last year.
Watch the LIVE coverage of UFC 285 – Jones vs Gane on Sony Sports Ten 2, Sony Sports Ten 3 (Hindi), and Sony Sports Ten 4 (Tamil & Telugu) channels on 5th March 2023 at 8:30 am (IST)