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For a fighter like Bo Nickal, sitting idle is never an option. While preparing for his MMA debut and awaiting his shot at the U.S. Olympic wrestling team, the three-time NCAA wrestling champion decided to test himself against one of the world’s most formidable grapplers: Gordon Ryan. With minimal jiu-jitsu training under his belt, Nickal's challenge to Ryan wasn’t about proving he was already ready to dominate in a new discipline—it was about learning, adapting, and putting himself in situations that would expose his weaknesses and refine his skills.
Nickal’s approach to grappling mirrored his wrestling mindset. Known for a relentless drive toward victory, he reached out to Ryan with a bold offer to step in as his opponent after several of Ryan’s previous competitors had dropped out. What followed was a memorable match where, despite only three jiu-jitsu sessions to prepare, Nickal showcased his wrestling prowess and resilience. At one point, he even managed to surprise Ryan with a powerful suplex, thrilling fans and proving that his wrestling skills could carry over, at least partially, to grappling.
In the end, Ryan’s experience and technical mastery in jiu-jitsu led to Nickal’s submission via triangle choke. The fight nearly lasted the full 15 minutes—a testament to Nickal’s grit and refusal to back down. Though Nickal didn’t get the win, he gained something invaluable: insight into the depth of skill required for elite grappling, especially in the context of MMA.
Reflecting on the experience, Nickal admitted it was “bittersweet.” His instinct as a wrestler was to dominate and pin, but the match with Ryan highlighted the need for a more sophisticated grappling approach in MMA. He realized that his wrestling could take him far in terms of control, but jiu-jitsu would allow him to be more efficient and minimize risks in MMA, particularly when it came to achieving finishes without exposing himself to unnecessary damage.
“For me, I can throw everybody on the ground,” Nickal said, “but if I learn to take guys’ backs and submit them, it’s no danger for me and easy wins. My wrestling is world-class, and I think my jiu-jitsu can become world-class very quickly.”
Now boasting a 6-0 MMA record, with his next fight scheduled against Paul Craig at UFC 309, Nickal continues to train and evolve his grappling game. He hasn’t ruled out a rematch with Ryan someday, mentioning with a grin that his blue belt in jiu-jitsu means he now has “a little more experience.” As he looks to expand his toolkit, Nickal’s goals are clear: to develop a balanced, dominant skill set across wrestling, grappling, and striking, allowing him to impose his will wherever the fight goes.
One thing is certain—whether it’s in the octagon or on the mat, Bo Nickal doesn’t shy away from a challenge. His bout with Gordon Ryan is just one example of the ambition and drive that fuels this rising star's journey in combat sports.
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