SUMMARY
- Bo Nickal is an established freestyle wrestler and a three-time NCAA champion.
- Joe Pyfer is considered one of the best knockout artists in the middleweight division.
The UFC has always been a land of opportunity for upcoming young and hungry talents. Not only does the promotion welcome new potential, but it also spends a chunk of its investments in scouting them through agents and shows such as Dana White’s Contender series and The Ultimate Fighter. The latest new prospects for the promotion would certainly be UFC fighters Joe Pyfer and Bo Nickal.
Both mixed martial artists have been able to draw the attention of the MMA community as well as their boss, UFC president Dana White. Dana is often seen complimenting both the young stars on their performances and truly believes in considering them as the future for the promotion. Bo Nickal is an established freestyle wrestler who is a three-time NCAA Division I National Champion.
Also, Nickal has been part of the 2020 US Olympic Team Trial and often displays his elite skills during his bouts. Along with wrestling, he also holds a blue belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. On the other hand, Joe Pyfer was one of the breakout stars of the 2022 edition of Dana White’s Contender Series. He also has a documentary titled ‘Journey to the UFC’ that garnered media attention.
Joe Pyfer vs Bo Nickal: MMA career and notable performances
Both American mixed martial artists are currently undefeated in the UFC, dominating all their opponents. Even though they have different styles of fighting, they do display the same hunger and potential to get to the top. Pyfer is considered one of the best knockout artists in the middleweight division. He made his UFC debut against Alen Amedovski at UFC Fight Night 210, winning via first-round TKO.
He went on to finish his next two opponents too via TKO (punches) and technical submission at UFC 287 and UFC Fight Night 229, respectively. Out of his 12 professional MMA wins, 8 have come via KO/TKO and 3 by submission, making him a fan favorite for his explosive technique in the octagon. Nickal holds a professional MMA record of 5 wins with no losses.
Bo Nickal made his official UFC debut at UFC 285 against Jamie Pickett, winning via first-round submission. He then went on to defeat Valentine Woodburn at UFC 290 via TKO. He was awarded Performance of the Night for his impressive UFC debut. Moreover, he has been awarded UFC Honors 2023 Debut of the Year for the same match.
Joe Pyfer vs Bo Nickal: Potential matchups for 2024
Bo Nickal has been scheduled to face middleweight Cody Brundage at the historic UFC 300 event. He feels confident about keeping his undefeated streak alive and putting on a spectacle for the fans. Joe Pyfer has been scheduled to face No. 11-ranked Jack Hermansson at UFC Fight Night 236. This could be an opening for Pyfer to enter the UFC rankings if he can keep his momentum going.
UFC 300 ANNOUNCEMENT!
Bo Nickal vs Cody Brundage
April 13th | Las Vegas | 185 Lbs pic.twitter.com/SHMRZUSnAH— Spinnin Backfist (@SpinninBackfist) December 22, 2023
Nickal would also be looking to challenge a ranked opponent, as he is highly favored to win in his upcoming bout. With the middleweight division seeing four title changes in the last 14 months, the division can expect new fighters to come into the title run mix.
This indicates Pyfer to be a brighter prospect for the promotion, while the former freestyle wrestler is yet to be tested against ranked opponents to prove his metal. Also, a previous layoff in 2023 could further affect the chances of Nickal being in the title picture of a major draw for the UFC anytime soon.