In a revealing episode of the Overdogs Podcast with Mike Perry, rising UFC star Bo Nickal shared details of an unexpected grappling encounter with heavyweight champion Jon Jones at the UFC Performance Institute that showcased both athletes’ competitive spirits.
The impromptu session occurred before UFC 309, where both would later emerge victorious in their respective bouts. Nickal, a decorated wrestler with three NCAA titles and an impressive 120-3 college record, described the unexpected nature of their meeting.
“I see Jon in the weight room. I’m like, ‘What’s up,’ but I’ve never met him, and we started grappling around, moving around. He’s freaking huge,” Nickal recounted. “He goes full 100% tries to foot sweep me, and I’m like, ‘What’s going on?'”
Despite Jones’s aggressive approach, Nickal, known for his exceptional wrestling pedigree, chose to maintain composure. “I don’t fall but then I’m like I’m not going to take you down in front of 50 people like in the middle of the makeup room. I just started kind of moving a little bit. I was just Like fake, fake, fake and I was like, ‘You’re done. I got you. You’re too slow.'”
A year prior to the exchange Jon Jones was told Bo Nickal said he could beat him in wrestling and acknowledged this might be true:
“He probably could, dude. Honestly, I’m not the best at anything. I’m just really good at mixing it all together. He probably could beat me in a wrestling match.”
The Penn State alum’s credentials speak volumes. Beyond his NCAA achievements, Nickal claimed the prestigious Hodge Trophy in 2019 and secured the U23 World Championships title the same year. His current professional MMA record stands unblemished at 7-0.
Jones, while primarily recognized for his striking prowess, also possesses a strong wrestling background, having earned All-American status and an NCAA championship in 2006. His recent victory at UFC 309 has sparked discussions about his future in the sport, with negotiations ongoing for potential 2025 appearances.
The encounter between these two athletes offers an intriguing glimpse into the evolving landscape of MMA, where established champions like Jones face emerging talents like Nickal, who represent the sport’s next generation.
