Former Penn State Nittany Lion wrestler and current UFC Middleweight fighter Bo Nickal may be the most hyped prospect in all of MMA right now. The three-time national champion in college and winner of the Hodge Trophy, the Heisman of college wrestling has more than exceeded expectations in all of his pro fights so far. And, once again, Bo Nickal earned a stoppage in the first round of a fight, as TKO’d Val Woodburn in just 38 seconds during UFC 290 Saturday night in Las Vegas.
This was expected, yes. Nickal entered as the biggest money line favorite in UFC history at over -3300, with the reason for that largely being that Woodburn was a late replacement for Tresean Gore, who had to back out early this week due to injury.
Bo Nickal sits at -3335 to beat Valentine Woodburn tonight, making him the biggest ML favorite in UFC history.
Anybody taking Nickal tonight? @SpinninBackfist pic.twitter.com/nq9EpqVpIW
— Barstool Sportsbook (@BSSportsbook) July 8, 2023
And, just like in his first four fights, Bo Nickal made sure things got over quickly. While we can’t show you the exact sequence, here’s what UFC’s official outlets posted.
BO NICKAL DOES IT AGAIN!!@NoBickal gets it done in UNDER A MINUTE at #UFC290! pic.twitter.com/QDm4tUg1xW
— UFC (@ufc) July 9, 2023
Right before this, the Nittany Lion had landed a devastating right hook to the head, followed up by another shot to the head with his left, before finishing off the fight.
Needless to say, the 27-year-old Texas native is one of the biggest stars in MMA, and he needs a much bigger challenge soon. Fans love the guy, too.
Bo Nickal having legit hands is unfair dude. He shouldn’t be allowed to be the best wrestler in the ufc and have actual striking ability.
— Super Fan🇮🇪 (@McGregorRousey) July 9, 2023
Bo Nickal’s hype is real. Dude went out & KO’d a striker with relative ease. I know Woodburn took this fight on short notice but wow. Did not expect those hands from Nickal.
— Aaron Leming (@AaronLemingNFL) July 9, 2023
I think the UFC will turn up the star power of BO NICKAL even more now. The man is very dangerous and dedicated to that insane level it takes to make it. https://t.co/8KSbWwi9NW
— Tim (@NephiKindofGuy) July 9, 2023
Bo Nickal is the best prospect ive seen in the fight game in quite some time. All around insane athlete. #UFC290
— Jordan Schachtel (@JordanSchachtel) July 9, 2023
Bo Nickal. MACHINE. #B1G
— Big Cat (@BarstoolBigCat) July 9, 2023
Hopefully Dana White can find Bo Nickal an opponent with a pulse next fight.