From the moment he declared his intention to do MMA in 2019, Bo Nickal instantly became a prospect to keep an eye on. And so far, through two amateur fights, he’s delivered.
Nickal, the former Penn State University wrestling star, won Friday at Island Fights 70 with a one-punch knockout, dropping opponent Billy Goode with a hard left hand to end the fight at the 2:58 mark of the first round.
Nickal’s performance earned praise from UFC star Jorge Masvidal, who tweeted the win was by “manslaughter.”
Check out the finish in the videos below:
Manslaughter by Bo “ko” Nickal @NoBickal #supernecessary pic.twitter.com/wtrOdPU5fY
— Jorge Masvidal UFC (@GamebredFighter) November 6, 2021
That’s what we do @AmericanTopTeam @PSUBarstool pic.twitter.com/unQBWqPUuf
— Bo Nickal (@NoBickal) November 6, 2021
The knockout follows up another finish in his Sept. 24 debut when Nickal defeated David Conley by first-round guillotine choke.
Nickal, 25, was a three-time collegiate national champion at Penn State from 2017 to 2019. His record was 120-3 overall, which included finishing his junior and senior years without a loss.
Nickal joins the likes of former Bellator champion Phil Davis, Bubba Jenkins, Ed Ruth other highly touted Penn State wrestlers who have transitioned to MMA.
