Bo Nickal

Nickal was born in Rifle, Colorado, but moved to Wyoming at a young age, where he started wrestling around five or six years old. In fifth grade, he moved to Rio Rancho, New Mexico. Nickal made the varsity high school team while in eighth grade and placed second at the New Mexico state tournament that same season.{{Cite web|title=Do You Know Bo Nickal?|url=https://fanaticwrestling.com/blogs/news/do-you-know-bo-nickal|access-date=2021-02-25|website=Fanatic Wrestling|language=en}}

As a high school freshman, he moved once again, now to Allen High School in Allen, Texas. He placed second at the Texas state tournament his freshman year, and then won every state tournament he competed in from his sophomore-year onward, becoming a three-time Texas state champion.{{cite web|last=League|first=University Interscholastic|title=2010-2011 Boys Wrestling State Results — University Interscholastic League (UIL)|url=https://www.uiltexas.org/wrestling/state-results/2010-2011-boys-wrestling-state-results|access-date=2021-02-25|website=www.uiltexas.org|language=en}}{{Cite web|last=League|first=University Interscholastic|title=2011-2012 Boys Wrestling State Results — University Interscholastic League (UIL)|url=https://www.uiltexas.org/wrestling/state-results/2011-2012-boys-wrestling-state-results|access-date=2021-02-25|website=www.uiltexas.org|language=en}}{{Cite web|last=League|first=University Interscholastic|title=2012-2013 Boys Wrestling State Results — University Interscholastic League (UIL)|url=https://www.uiltexas.org/wrestling/state-results/2012-2013-boys-wrestling-state-results|access-date=2021-02-25|website=www.uiltexas.org|language=en}}{{Cite web|last=League|first=University Interscholastic|title=2013-2014 Boys Wrestling State Results — University Interscholastic League (UIL)|url=https://www.uiltexas.org/wrestling/state-results/2013-2014-boys-wrestling-state-results|access-date=2021-02-25|website=www.uiltexas.org|language=en}} As a junior, he placed fifth at the 2013 U17 World Championships in freestyle.{{Cite web|date=2013-08-27|title=2013 FILA Cadet World Championships Recap: Pico captured gold in freestyle at Zrenjanin, Serbia|url=https://www.win-magazine.com/2013/08/2013-fila-cadet-world-championships-recap-pico-captured-gold-in-freestyle-at-zrenjanin-serbia/|access-date=2020-05-02|website=WIN Magazine: Wrestling News|language=en-US}} After finishing his junior year, Nickal committed to wrestle as a Nittany Lion at the Pennsylvania State University.{{Cite web|last=PennLive|first=Jim Carlson {{!}} Special to|date=2013-08-01|title=Yet another top-notch recruit, Bo Nickal of Texas, commits to wrestle at Penn State|url=https://www.pennlive.com/sports/2013/07/yet_another_top-notch_recruit.html|access-date=2020-05-02|website=pennlive|language=en}} He graduated from high school with an 183–7 record, including 131 pins, and was the pound-for-pound ninth-ranked wrestler in the nation.{{Cite web|title=Bo Nickal is Wrestler of the Year|url=https://wrestlingtexas.com/2019/04/03/bo-nickal-is-wrestler-of-the-year/|date=2019-04-03|website=Wrestlingtexas|language=en-US|access-date=2020-05-02}}

Nickal opted to compete under a redshirt during his first collegiate year, compiling a 15–2 record in open tournaments while wrestling unattached at 174 pounds.{{Cite web|last=Collegian|first=Navin Zachariah {{!}} For the|title=Penn State wrestlers to watch in 2015-16|url=https://www.collegian.psu.edu/sports/wrestling/penn-state-wrestlers-to-watch-in-2015-16/article_e20359ac-88c2-11e5-bac0-37396f0c5c8d.html|access-date=2021-02-25|website=The Daily Collegian|date=November 12, 2015 |language=en}}

Entering his freshman season ranked fourteenth in the country, Nickal won his first eighteen matches, claiming titles from the Nittany Lion Open{{Cite web|title=Nittany Lion Wrestlers Dominate 2015 Nittany Lion Open|url=https://gopsusports.com/news/2015/12/6/Nittany_Lion_Wrestlers_Dominate_2015_Nittany_Lion_Open.aspx|access-date=2021-02-25|website=Penn State University Athletics|language=en}} and the Southern Scuffle{{Cite web|title=Penn State wins Southern Scuffle with five individual champs|url=https://www.timesfreepress.com/news/sports/college/story/2016/jan/03/penn-state-wins-southern-scuffle-five-individ/342927/|access-date=2021-02-25|website=timesfreepress.com|date=January 3, 2016 }} and notable victories over returning NCAA runner-up Brian Realbuto, multiple DI All-Americans in Zach Epperly, Bryce Hammond and Ethan Ramos, and future NCAA champion Myles Martin.{{Cite web|title=NCAA Wrestling Championships Preview 2016|url=http://mwolverine.com/NCAA_Championships_Wrestling_Preview_2016.html|access-date=2021-02-25|website=mwolverine.com}}{{Cite web|title=Nickal named Big Ten Wrestler of the Week {{!}} Penn State University|url=https://news.psu.edu/story/382577/2015/11/24/athletics/nickal-named-big-ten-wrestler-week|access-date=2021-02-25|website=news.psu.edu|language=en}}{{Cite news|last=Collegian|first=Roger Van Scyoc {{!}} The Daily|title=Bo Nickal, Penn State wrestling give 'weekend warrior' a new meaning|url=https://www.collegian.psu.edu/sports/wrestling/bo-nickal-penn-state-wrestling-give-weekend-warrior-a-new-meaning/article_bd5deb76-9d44-11e5-91bf-23807a371848.html|access-date=2021-02-25|website=The Daily Collegian|language=en}} In his nineteenth match, Nickal, now the top-ranked 174 pounder in the country, was defeated by Nate Jackson on points, ending his streak.{{Cite web|title=Jackson Upends No. 1 Nickal in Loss to Penn State|url=https://iuhoosiers.com/news/2016/1/10/WREST_0110160929.aspx|access-date=2021-02-25|website=Indiana University Athletics|language=en}} Afterwards, Nickal bounced back with eight straight wins, including another one over Martin, to finish the regular season with a record of 26–1. At the Big Ten Conference Championships, Nickal claimed three bonus point-victories, including a fall over Martin and a major over Zac Brunson in the finale.{{Cite web|title=Lions Roar on Day One of 2016 Big Ten Wrestling Championships|url=https://gopsusports.com/news/2016/3/5/Lions_Roar_on_Day_One_of_2016_Big_Ten_Wrestling_Championships.aspx|access-date=2021-02-25|website=Penn State University Athletics|language=en}}{{Cite web|title=Penn State Wins 2016 Big Ten Wrestling Championships|url=http://bigten.org/news/2016/3/6/penn_state_wins_2016_big_ten_wrestling_championships.aspx|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221015183157/https://bigten.org/news/2016/3/6/penn_state_wins_2016_big_ten_wrestling_championships.aspx|url-status=dead|archive-date=October 15, 2022|access-date=2021-02-25|website=Big Ten Conference|language=en}} Nickal entered the NCAA's as the top-seed, defeating his first three opponents to make the semifinals, where he avenged his regular season loss to Nate Jackson on points, advancing to the finals.{{Cite web|date=2016-03-19|title=Penn State in line to win another NCAA title with five finalists, including two seniors|url=https://www.win-magazine.com/2016/03/18/12657/|access-date=2021-02-25|website=WIN Magazine|language=en-US}} In the finals, Nickal faced the eleventh seed in Myles Martin, whom he had already defeated three times earlier, but was defeated by the opposition in a close and frenetic upset, claiming runner-up honors.{{Cite web|date=2016-03-19|title=True Freshman Myles Martin Wins National Championship in 174-Pound Weight Class|url=https://www.elevenwarriors.com/ohio-state-wrestling/2016/03/68978/true-freshman-myles-martin-wins-national-championship-in-174-pound-weight-class|access-date=2021-02-25|website=Eleven Warriors|language=en}}

Nickal then went up to 86 kilograms for the 2016 US Last Chance World Trials Qualifier (freestyle) in April, where he placed fourth after recording a 5–2 record.{{Cite web|last=Guillotine1|date=2016-04-02|title=US Senior Last Chance OTT Qualifier Men's Freestyle|url=https://theguillotine.com/2016/04/us-senior-last-chance-ott-qualifier-mens-freestyle/|access-date=2020-05-18|website=The Guillotine|language=en-US}} He then attempted to make the 2016 U20 US World Team, but was stopped by Zahid Valencia.{{Cite web|last=Athletics|first=Sun Devil|title=Sun Devil Wrestling's Z. Valenica Makes Junior World Team|url=https://thesundevils.com/news/2016/5/22/210971403|access-date=2021-09-25|website=Arizona State University Athletics|date=May 22, 2016 |language=en}}

As a sophomore, Nickal moved up to the 184 pounds division.{{Cite web|title=Penn State shuts out Army West Point in season opener|url=http://intermatwrestle.com/articles/17014|access-date=2021-02-26|website=InterMat}} During his unbeaten regular season, Nickal pinned his way to the Keystone Classic title{{Cite web|date=November 20, 2016|title=8 Nittany Lions claim titles as team cruises to Keystone Classic crown|url=https://www.centredaily.com/sports/college/penn-state-university/psu-wrestling/article116113408.html|website=centredaily.com}} and went 14–0 in dual meets, dominantly avenging his NCAA championship loss to Myles Martin, and also including wins over returning NCAA runner-up TJ Dudley and returning All-Americans Sammy Brooks and Nolan Boyd (both by fall).{{Cite web|title=Bo Nickal named Big Ten Wrestler of the Week {{!}} Penn State University|url=https://news.psu.edu/story/452492/2017/02/21/bo-nickal-named-big-ten-wrestler-week|access-date=2021-02-26|website=news.psu.edu|language=en}}{{Cite web|title=BlueWhiteIllustrated - Wrestling: PSU victorious, 32-12, in front of Ohio State record crowd|url=https://bwi.rivals.com/news/wrestling-psu-victorious-32-12-in-front-of-ohio-state-record-crowd|access-date=2021-02-26|website=bwi.rivals.com|date=February 3, 2017 }}{{Cite web|date=2017-02-03|title=Wrestling: Penn State vs. Ohio State Preview - Bo Nickal Seeks Revenge|url=https://www.roarlionsroar.com/penn-state-wrestling/2017/02/1734/wrestling-penn-state-ohio-state-preview-bo-nickal-myles-martin|access-date=2021-02-26|website=Roar Lions Roar|language=en}}{{Cite web|date=2017-02-19|title=Video: Bo Nickal Pins No. 4 Nolan Boyd to Seal Penn State's Comeback Victory|url=https://www.roarlionsroar.com/penn-state-wrestling/2017/02/1827/video-bo-nickal-pins-no-4-nolan-boyd-to-seal-penn-states-comeback-victory|access-date=2021-02-26|website=Roar Lions Roar|language=en}} In the postseason, Nickal was upset in the semifinals of the Big Ten Championships by rival Myles Martin, but came back to place third, beating TJ Dudley for the second time.{{Cite web|last=GarrettCarr|date=2017-03-05|title=Penn State Wrestling Takes Second at Big Ten Tournament|url=https://www.blackshoediaries.com/2017/3/5/14822646/penn-state-wrestling-takes-second-at-big-ten-tournament|access-date=2021-02-26|website=Black Shoe Diaries|language=en}} At the NCAA's, Nickal got a technical fall in the first round{{Cite web|last1=Dunleavy|first1=Ryan|last2=NJ.com|first2=Bill Evans {{!}} NJ Advance Media for|date=2017-03-17|title=2017 NCAA Wrestling: Complete results from round 1|url=https://www.nj.com/sports/2017/03/2017_ncaa_wrestling_championships_complete_results.html|access-date=2021-02-26|website=nj|language=en}} and three straight falls to make his second finals, notably pinning Dudley and Sammy Brooks.{{Cite web|title=Torrington-raised Nickal wins NCAA championship|url=https://www.torringtontelegram.com/article/torrington-raised-nickal-wins-ncaa-championship|access-date=2021-02-26|website=The Torrington Telegram|date=March 31, 2017 }} In the finale, Nickal faced undefeated-in-the-season and defending two-time NCAA champion Gabe Dean, whom he was able to edge by a point, claiming his first NCAA title and denying Dean his third.{{Cite web|date=2017-03-20|title=Dean Stunned in Finals as Wrestling Fails to Meet Goals at NCAAs|url=https://cornellsun.com/2017/03/20/dean-stunned-in-finals-as-wrestling-fails-to-meet-goals-at-ncaas/|access-date=2021-02-26|website=The Cornell Daily Sun|language=en-US}}

Fresh off his first collegiate championship, Nickal went back up to 86 kilos to place fourth at the US Freestyle Open, going 4–2.{{Cite web|date=April 30, 2017|title=Mark Hall, David Taylor win wrestling titles at U.S. Open|url=https://www.centredaily.com/sports/college/penn-state-university/psu-wrestling/article147693319.html|url-status=live|website=centredaily.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170506145754/http://www.centredaily.com:80/sports/college/penn-state-university/psu-wrestling/article147693319.html |archive-date=May 6, 2017 }}

As a junior, Nickal compiled 23 wins and no losses during regular season, with 21 bonus–point victories, claimed multiple tournament titles and wins over the likes of Domenic Abounader and his nemesis Myles Martin. At the Big Ten Championships, Nickal claimed his second title by beating Martin in the finale, advancing to the NCAAs as the favorite top–seed.{{Cite web|last=Collegian|first=Jake Aferiat {{!}} The Daily|title=Penn State wrestling's Bo Nickal gets revenge on Ohio State's Myles Martin, gives Nittany Lions third Big Ten champion|url=https://www.collegian.psu.edu/sports/wrestling/penn-state-wrestlings-bo-nickal-gets-revenge-on-ohio-states-myles-martin-gives-nittany-lions/article_8f7fccae-1ff8-11e8-958b-9fc6251be91a.html|access-date=2021-04-29|website=The Daily Collegian|date=March 4, 2018 |language=en}} At the National tournament, he earned notable wins over '16 MAC champion Jordan Ellingwood, freshman phenom from Cornell Max Dean and Michigan's Domenic Abounader to make the finale, where he scored one of his signature pins in his career over Myles Martin, ending the rivalry, claiming his second NCAA title and clinching the team title for PSU.{{Cite web|last=NJ.com|first=Bill Evans {{!}} NJ Advance Media for|date=2018-03-18|title=NCAA wrestling: Nickal's stunning pin gives PSU title|url=https://www.nj.com/sports/2018/03/ncaa_wrestling_championships_bo_nickals_shocking_f.html|access-date=2021-04-29|website=nj|language=en}} Due to his dominance, he was awarded the NCAA Championship Outstanding Wrestler award (MVP){{Cite web|title=Bo Nickal Named NWCA Outstanding Wrestler of the Tournament|url=https://www.roarlionsroar.com/penn-state-wrestling/2018/03/3918/bo-nickal-named-nwca-outstanding-wrestler-of-the-tournament|date=2018-03-18|website=Roar Lions Roar|language=en|access-date=2020-05-02}} and the prestigious Schalles Award as the nation's top pinner.{{Cite web|date=2019-05-23|title=Bo Nickal's legacy: a creative pinner and two-time Schalles Award winner|url=https://www.win-magazine.com/2019/05/nickal-wins-2019-schalles-award/|access-date=2020-05-02|website=WIN Magazine: Wrestling News|language=en-US}}

As a redshirt senior, Nickal moved up once again to 197 pounds. At this new weight class, he comfortably won the Big Ten Conference Championship for the second time consecutively and third time overall.{{cite web|url=https://bigten.org/documents/2019/3/9//2019_Big_Tens_Brackets_After_Session_2.pdf?id=6342|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190401172454/https://bigten.org/documents/2019/3/9/2019_Big_Tens_Brackets_After_Session_2.pdf?id=6342|url-status=dead|archive-date=April 1, 2019|title=2019 Big Ten Conference Wrestling Brackets}} At his last NCAA tournament, he dominated all three matches to get to the final, pinning his first two opponents and getting a major in the semifinals. In the finals, Nickal defeated the second seeded Kollin Moore by points (5-1) to claim the NCAA title,{{cite web|url=https://i.turner.ncaa.com/sites/default/files/images/2019/03/22/brackets.pdf|title=2019 NCAA Division I Wrestling Championships Brackets}} becoming one of the four Penn State wrestlers to win three NCAA National Championships and the third one (along with David Taylor and Jason Nolf) to be a four-time NCAA Finalist.{{cite web|url=http://www.bonickal.com/about|title=THE COLLEGIATE CAREER IS OVER AND ALL EYES ARE ON TOKYO 2020.}} At the end of the season, he was awarded the Dan Hodge Trophy as nation's best college wrestler{{Cite web|title=3x NCAA Champion, ScrapLife Athlete {{!}} Bo Nickal|url=http://www.bonickal.com/|website=www.bonickal.com|access-date=2020-05-02}} and the Schalles Award (for the second time consecutively) as US' top pinner. He was also named 2019 Co-Big Ten wrestler of the Year, Penn State Male Athlete of the Year, and Big Ten Male Athlete of the Year.{{Cite web|title=Penn State wrestling standout Bo Nickal named Big Ten Male Athlete of the Year|url=https://www.yorkdispatch.com/story/sports/college/psu/2019/07/04/psu-wrestling-standout-bo-nickal-big-ten-male-athlete-year/1648321001/|website=York Dispatch|language=en|access-date=2020-05-02}}{{Cite web|title=College wrestling: NCAA releases Most Dominant Wrestler standings for first time in 2019 {{!}} NCAA.com|url=https://www.ncaa.com/news/wrestling/article/2019-02-06/college-wrestling-ncaa-releases-most-dominant-wrestler-standings|website=www.ncaa.com|language=en|access-date=2020-05-02}}

Once his final run in collegiate wrestling was over, Nickal immediately turned his focus solely to freestyle. Going back to the style after two years, Nickal competed at the US Open, bulking up to 92 kilograms instead of going down to 86 kilos due to teammate David Taylor being the returning World Champion in the weight class.{{Cite web|date=June 13, 2019|title=Wrestling breakdown: J'den Cox vs. Bo Nickal match analysis|url=https://www.bloodyelbow.com/2019/6/13/18659885/jden-cox-bo-nickal-wrestling-match-analysis|url-status=live|website=bloodyelbow.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190613155700/https://www.bloodyelbow.com/2019/6/13/18659885/jden-cox-bo-nickal-wrestling-match-analysis |archive-date=June 13, 2019 }} He walked through his competition, stopping five opponents (three by technical fall and two by fall) and earning the championship.{{Cite web|title=Penn State's Bo Nickal wins U.S. Open title {{!}} TribLIVE.com|url=https://triblive.com/sports/penn-states-bo-nickal-wins-u-s-open-title/|website=triblive.com|date=April 29, 2019 |access-date=2020-05-02}}

After winning the US Open, Nickal automatically advanced to the finals of the US World Team Trials Challenge Tournament, in which he faced Michael Macchiavello in a best-of-three rematch.{{Cite web|title=NLWC World Team Trials Strong Showing {{!}} News & Updates {{!}} Nittany Lion Wrestling Club|url=https://www.nittanylionwrestlingclub.com/news/nlwc-world-team-trials-strong-showing|access-date=2021-09-25|website=www.nittanylionwrestlingclub.com}} He dominated the first match winning by technical fall (10–0) and in the second match he would outscore his opponent 5–0, without letting him to score a point in either match.{{Cite web|title=Former Penn State wrestlers Zain Retherford and Bo Nickal advance to Final X to compete for spot on US World Team|url=https://www.collegian.psu.edu/sports/wrestling/article_3b5b993a-7b1b-11e9-8854-4345be6f49a6.html|last=Collegian|first=Jake Aferiat {{!}} The Daily|website=The Daily Collegian|date=May 20, 2019 |language=en|access-date=2020-05-02}}

Nickal wrestled in two straight matches against returning World Champion J'den Cox for the spot to represent the United States at the 2019 World Championships. In the first match, he was outscored 2–4 and wasn't able to score offensively, and in the second, he wasn't able to score a single point, while Cox scored 5 of his own, losing the series.{{Cite web|last=Gallo|first=Ed|date=2019-12-27|title=Wrestling breakdown: U23 World champion Bo Nickal|url=https://www.bloodyelbow.com/2019/12/27/21034980/wrestling-breakdown-u23-world-champion-bo-nickal|access-date=2020-05-02|website=Bloody Elbow|language=en}}{{Cite web|title=J'den Cox sweeps past Bo Nickal at Final X Rutgers, has chance to defend world title|url=https://www.nj.com/sports/2019/06/jden-cox-sweeps-past-bo-nickal-at-final-x-rutgers-has-chance-to-defend-world-title.html|last=NJ.com|first=Bill Evans {{!}} NJ Advance Media for|date=2019-06-09|website=nj|language=en|access-date=2020-05-02}}

As a 23-year old Final X contestant, Nickal had the right to compete at the US U23 World Team Trials against the Challenge Tournament winner, Jakob Woodley. The special wrestle-offs took place during the Fargo Nationals. Nickal dominated 12–4 in the first match and 8–2 in the second match, earning the right to represent United States at the U23 World Championships.

At the U23 World Championships, Nickal defeated three opponents (one by fall, one by technical fall and one by points) including Shamil Zubairov, the returning champion, to get to the finals, where he faced 2018 Russian National champion Batyrbek Tsakulov (whom he had lost to at the 2013 Cadet World Championships). Nickal was able to avenge his loss with a 12–2 technical fall victory to earn the championship.{{Cite web|title=Penn State Wrestling Alum Bo Nickal Wins U23 World Championship|url=https://www.roarlionsroar.com/penn-state-wrestling/2019/10/6223/bo-nickal-wins-u23-world-championship-nittany-lion-wrestling-club|date=2019-10-30|website=Roar Lions Roar|language=en|access-date=2020-05-02}}

By the start of 2020, Nickal moved up to 97 kilograms in an attempt to take out reigning Olympic Gold medalist Kyle Snyder.{{cite web|title=Rome Ranking Series: Bo Nickal to challenge Snyder away from home in 97kg, India's Satyawart Kadian also in fray|url=https://wrestlingtv.in/rome-ranking-series-bo-nickal-to-challenge-snyder-away-from-home-in-97kg-indias-satyawart-kadian-also-in-fray/|website=Wrestling TV|accessdate=February 23, 2020}} He effortlessly passed the first round by technical fall before facing Mohammad Hossein Mohammadian (winner of the championship), who would nullify Nickal to a 0–10 technical fall, marking the first time he had been defeated in such fashion in freestyle (since graduating) or college. In the consolation bracket, he would also have a tough time, as he had a close match with Alisher Yergali in which he was down 11–12 but was able to secure a last second takedown and earn a 13–12 point-victory. Next in the bracket was Kyle Snyder, however, Nickal did not appear on the mat, forcing the match to be ruled as a forfeit victory for Snyder and also eliminating Nickal from the tournament, placing seventh.{{cite web|title=Hildebrandt in Matteo Pellicone finals, Conder, Anthony, Shai and Snyder aim for bronze|url=https://www.teamusa.org/USA-Wrestling/Features/2020/January/17/Hildebrandt-in-Matteo-Pellicone-finals-four-others-aim-for-bronze|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200224021924/https://www.teamusa.org/USA-Wrestling/Features/2020/January/17/Hildebrandt-in-Matteo-Pellicone-finals-four-others-aim-for-bronze|url-status=dead|archive-date=February 24, 2020|website=Team USA|accessdate=February 23, 2020}}{{cite web|title=Matteo Pellicone Ranking Series|url= https://unitedworldwrestling.org/sites/default/files/2020-01/rsmatteopellicone-final-book.pdf#page38|website=United World Wrestling|accessdate=February 23, 2020}}

As a 2019 U23 World Champion, Nickal qualified for the 2020 US Olympic Team Trials.{{Cite web|title=US Olympic wrestling trials 2020: Preview|url=https://www.olympicchannel.com/en/stories/news/detail/us-olympic-wrestling-trials-2020-preview/|website=Olympic Channel|access-date=2020-05-02}} He was scheduled to compete at the event on April, however, it was postponed for 2021 due to the coronavirus pandemic along with the 2020 Summer Olympics.{{Cite web|url=https://wrestlingtv.in/u23-world-champ-bo-nickal-believes-tokyo-olympics-postponement-is-blessing-in-disguise-here-is-why/|title=U23 World Champ Bo Nickal believes Tokyo Olympics postponement is blessing in disguise, here is why|last=|first=|last2=|first2=|date=2020-04-14|website=WrestlingTV|language=en-US|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210117013343/https://wrestlingtv.in/u23-world-champ-bo-nickal-believes-tokyo-olympics-postponement-is-blessing-in-disguise-here-is-why/ |archive-date=January 17, 2021 |access-date=2020-04-24|last3=|first3=|last4=|first4=|last5=|first5=|last6=|first6=|last7=|first7=}} As a champion at a non-olympic weight, Nickal was supposed to decide whether he was going to compete at 86 or 97 kilograms, but this decision never became public as the events were postponed.{{Cite web|url=https://www.flowrestling.org/articles/6593624-whos-in-these-17-guys-are-already-qualified-for-the-2020-olympic-trials|title=Who's In: These 17 Guys Are Already Qualified For The 2020 Olympic Trials|website=www.flowrestling.org|date=November 5, 2019 |language=en|access-date=2020-04-24}} On September 21, he announced that he would compete at 86 kilograms in 2021.{{Cite web|last=Collegian|first=Jake Aferiat {{!}} The Daily|title=Former Penn State wrestler Bo Nickal announces weight for Olympic Trials|url=https://www.collegian.psu.edu/sports/wrestling/article_367bf85e-fc68-11ea-86c8-435010c59e35.html|access-date=2020-09-22|website=The Daily Collegian|date=September 21, 2020 |language=en}}

Nickal returned to the mats against Alex Dieringer on September 19, at the NLWC I, making his debut at 86 kilograms since completely crossing over.{{Cite web|title=NLWC Set to Host Freestyle Event Live On Rokfin September 19 {{!}} News & Updates {{!}} Nittany Lion Wrestling Club|url=https://www.nittanylionwrestlingclub.com/news/nlwc-set-to-host-freestyle-event-live-on-rokfin-september-19|access-date=2020-09-01|website=www.nittanylionwrestlingclub.com}} Dieringer scored the first point via push-out early in the first period, however, he was put on the shot-clock due to passivity with 1 minute and 30 seconds left on the match. Nickal tied it up after defending the attacks of his opponent, earning a point and therefore the criteria as the last one to do so. He was able to earn the victory via criteria after neither of them were able to score more points.{{Cite web|last=Collegian|first=Jake Aferiat {{!}} The Daily|title=Nittany Lion Wrestling Club dominates at freestyle event taking nine of 13 bouts|url=https://www.collegian.psu.edu/sports/wrestling/article_6fd1ccfe-fae3-11ea-a491-a31914fa1d40.html|access-date=2020-09-20|website=The Daily Collegian|date=September 19, 2020 |language=en}}{{Cite web|last=Duckworth|first=Seth|date=2020-09-20|title=Alex Dieringer Falls to Bo Nickal at Nittany Lion Wrestling Club Event|url=https://pistolsfiringblog.com/alex-dieringer-falls-to-bo-nickal-at-nittany-lion-wrestling-club-event/|access-date=2020-11-03|website=Pistols Firing|language=en-US}} Nickal was later scheduled to wrestle 2020 US National runner-up Nate Jackson on November 24, at the NLWC III,{{Cite web|title=Nickal, Jackson to renew rivalry at NLWC event on Nov. 24|url=http://intermatwrestle.com/articles/23974|access-date=2020-11-09|website=InterMat}} but was removed from the card a day before the event.{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=November 24, 2020|title=Nov. 24th NLWC Event Info|url=https://www.rokfin.com/article/2288/Nov-24th-NLWC-Event-Info|access-date=|website=Rokfin}}

After a somewhat inactive previous year, Nickal wrestled two-time NCAA Division I National Champion Gabe Dean in a rematch from their 2017 NCAA championship match, on February 23, at the NLWC V.{{Cite web|last=PennLive|first=Jim Carlson {{!}} Special to|date=2021-02-24|title=Kyle Snyder wins 3 bouts, Kyle Dake beats 2 former Penn State stars in Nittany Lion Wrestling Club event|url=https://www.pennlive.com/pennstatefootball/2021/02/kyle-snyder-wins-3-bouts-kyle-dake-beats-2-former-penn-state-stars-in-nittany-lion-wrestling-club-event.html|access-date=2021-02-26|website=pennlive|language=en}} After a scramble-full match, Nickal was defeated by Dean in a close bout.{{Cite web|date=February 23, 2021|title=BEA's Grace Stem wins, former Penn State wrestlers go 3-3 in Nittany Lion Wrestling Club event|url=https://www.centredaily.com/sports/college/penn-state-university/psu-wrestling/article249444980.html|url-status=live|website=centredaily.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210225031530/https://www.centredaily.com/sports/college/penn-state-university/psu-wrestling/article249444980.html |archive-date=February 25, 2021 }}

In early April, Nickal competed at the rescheduled US Olympic Team Trials as the sixth seed, in an attempt to represent the United States at the 2020 Summer Olympics.{{Cite web|last=Miller|first=Zach|title=Wrestling: Men's freestyle seeds announced for U.S. Olympic Trials|url=https://www.northjersey.com/story/sports/college/wrestling/2021/03/29/olympic-trials-wrestling-seeds-announced/7049551002/|access-date=2021-04-14|website=North Jersey Media Group|language=en-US}} In the challenge tournament Nickal defeated '21 NCAA champion from Penn State Carter Starocci (round of 16), '19 US Open champion and third-seeded Pat Downey (quarterfinals), and '19 US National champion Zahid Valencia (semifinals).{{cite web |url=https://www.flowrestling.org/results/6946685-2021-usa-wrestling-olympic-team-trials-watch-party/29521 |title=USA Olympic Team Trials Watch Party |date= April 3, 2021 |access-date=2022-01-04}}{{Cite web|last=Wogenrich|first=Mark|title=Penn State Legends David Taylor and Bo Nickal to Wrestle for Bid to Tokyo Olympics|url=https://www.si.com/college/pennstate/wrestling/penn-state-wrestling-david-taylor-bo-nickal-tokyo-olympics|access-date=2021-04-14|website=Sports Illustrated Penn State Nittany Lions News, Analysis and More|date=April 3, 2021 |language=en}} In the best–of–three finals, Nickal faced fellow Penn State legend and '18 World Champion David Taylor. Nickal lost twice by scores of 0–4 and 0–6, failing to make the US Olympic Team and break Taylor's 45–match win streak.{{Cite web|title=Lion vs. Lion: David Taylor tops Bo Nickal for U.S. Olympic Team spot|url=https://247sports.com/Article/David-Taylor-Bo-Nickal-Penn-state-wrestling-Olympic-Trials-Tokyo-summer-games-NLWC-Nittany-Lion-Wrestling-club-Aaron-Brooks-Carter-Starocci-Kyle-Snyder-Thomas-Gilman-Greg-Kerk-163637941/|access-date=2021-04-14|website=247Sports|language=en-US}} Taylor would go on to claim the gold medal at the Summer Olympics.{{Cite web|last=Bumbaca|first=Chris|title=American David Taylor, aka 'Magic Man,' wins gold in Tokyo Olympics 86kg freestyle wrestling|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/olympics/2021/08/05/us-wrestler-david-taylor-wins-gold-tokyo-olympics/5494708001/|access-date=2021-08-09|website=USA TODAY|language=en-US}} In regards to their close relationship, Taylor then stated:{{Cite web|last=Collegian|first=Jake Aferiat {{!}} The Daily|title=Why David Taylor's Olympic berth came at a cost: 'Only one person gets to go'|url=https://www.collegian.psu.edu/sports/wrestling/why-david-taylors-olympic-berth-came-at-a-cost-only-one-person-gets-to-go/article_f2a0010a-9728-11eb-a35b-6f5085c09dd3.html|access-date=2021-04-14|website=The Daily Collegian|date=April 7, 2021 |language=en}}

{{Blockquote|text="It was a weird emotion," Taylor said. "We had a discussion leading up to it, and we have such a deep room in the wrestling club, especially at 86 kilos, so we're challenged every single day and none of us would be where we are without each other. Bo's amazing, and I wouldn't be where I am without Bo."}}

On November 10, 2019, it was announced that Nickal had signed an MMA management deal with First Round Management, expecting to make the transition to the sport.{{Cite web|last=Connelly|first=Shane|title=Bo Nickal to partner with American Top Team, open gym at Penn State|url=https://thebodylockmma.com/mma/bo-nickal-to-partner-with-american-top-team-open-gym-at-penn-state/|access-date=2020-06-04|website=The Body Lock|date=November 12, 2019 |language=en-US}} It was also announced that Nickal had serious plans on partnering with Dan Lambert and opening a new American Top Team facility at Pleasant Gap, Pennsylvania.{{Cite web|last=Collegian|first=Gianna Galli {{!}} The Daily|title=Bo Nickal draws on Penn State wrestling experience in opening of his American Top Team gym|url=https://www.collegian.psu.edu/sports/wrestling/article_3ae7ba34-88d9-11ea-b5a0-33b56be73e44.html|access-date=2020-06-04|website=The Daily Collegian|date=April 28, 2020 |language=en}} The building process started on October 23, 2020, and the gym became active on July 2, 2021.{{Cite web|last=Collegian|first=Ben Serfass {{!}} The Daily|title=SEE IT: Bo Nickal provides update on American Top Team MMA gym|url=https://www.collegian.psu.edu/sports/wrestling/article_3daba3b8-154f-11eb-8595-e33107f26e69.html|access-date=2020-11-03|website=The Daily Collegian|date=October 23, 2020 |language=en}}{{Cite web|title=Training has commenced. Killers only.|url=https://www.instagram.com/p/CQ1uHjvp7JC/ |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/iarchive/s/instagram/CQ1uHjvp7JC |archive-date=December 24, 2021 |url-access=registration|url-status=live|website=instagram.com}}{{cbignore}}

After the 2020 US Olympic Trials for wrestling, Nickal made his amateur mixed martial arts debut against David Conley on September 24, 2021, winning via arm-triangle choke submission in round one.{{Cite web|last=Koerbler|first=Patrick|date=2021-09-25|title=Bo Nickal Wins MMA Debut Friday Night|url=https://www.blackshoediaries.com/2021/9/25/22693636/bo-nickal-wins-mma-debut-friday-night-greatest-wrestler-in-the-world-bsd|access-date=2021-10-15|website=Black Shoe Diaries|language=en}} In his next bout, Nickal scored a one-punch knockout over Billy Goode on November 5, 2021.{{Cite web|last=Heck|first=Mike|date=2021-11-06|title=Video: Bo Nickal improves to 2-0 with devastating one-punch KO at Island Fights 70|url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2021/11/6/22767154/video-bo-nickal-improves-to-2-0-with-devastating-one-punch-ko-at-island-fights-70|access-date=2021-11-07|website=MMA Fighting|language=en}}

Nickal made his professional MMA debut in the middleweight division against John Noland on June 3, 2022, at the Greater Richmond Convention Center in Richmond, Virginia as part of Jorge Masvidal’s iKon FC event.{{Cite web |date=2022-05-10 |title=Wrestling standout Bo Nickal set for professional MMA debut at Jorge Masvidal's iKon Fighting Championship |url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2022/05/bo-nickal-pro-mma-debut-june-3-jorge-masvidal-ikon-fighting-wrestling |access-date=2022-05-18 |website=MMA Junkie |language=en-US}} Nickal won the fight via knockout less than a minute into the first round.{{Cite web |last=Martin |first=Damon |date=2022-06-03 |title=Video: Bo Nickal scores devastating knockout in less than one minute in pro MMA debut |url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2022/6/3/23154077/video-bo-nickal-scores-devastating-knockout-in-less-than-one-minute-in-pro-mma-debut |access-date=2022-06-06 |website=MMA Fighting |language=en}}

For his second professional match, Nickal faced Zachary Borrego on August 9, 2022, at Dana White's Contender Series 49.{{Cite web |date=2022-07-01 |title=UFC adds Bo Nickal to Dana White's Contender Series this summer |url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2022/07/ufc-news-bo-nickal-dana-white-contender-series-malki-kawa |access-date=2022-07-01 |website=MMA Junkie |language=en-US}} At weight ins, Borrego missed weight by 1.5 pounds, coming in at 187.5 lbs. The bout proceeded at catchweight and Borrego was fined a percentage of his purse, which went to Nickal.{{Cite web |last=Hathaway |first=Ken |date=2022-08-08 |title=Dana White's Contender Series 49 weigh-in results: Bo Nickal's opponent heavy |url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2022/08/ufc-news-dana-white-contender-series-49-official-weigh-in-results-live-stream |access-date=2022-08-10 |website=MMA Junkie |language=en-US}} He won the fight via rear-naked choke submission early in the first round.{{Cite web |last=Alexander |first=Mookie |date=2022-08-09 |title=Video: Mega prospect Bo Nickal quickly wins on Dana White's Contender Series, but no UFC deal yet |url=https://www.bloodyelbow.com/2022/8/9/23298955/video-mega-prospect-bo-nickal-quickly-wins-dana-white-contender-series-no-ufc-deal-yet-mma-news |access-date=2022-08-10 |website=Bloody Elbow |language=en}} Nickal was not awarded a contract due to his inexperience, with UFC president Dana White instead opting to arrange another fight for Nickal on the Contender Series.{{Cite web |last=Wells |first=Matthew |date=2022-08-09 |title=Dana White's Contender Series 49 results: Bo Nickal invited back for second fight, 3 others receive UFC contracts |url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/lists/dana-white-contender-series-49-results-bo-nickal |access-date=2022-08-10 |website=MMA Junkie |language=en-US}}

Nickal faced Donovan Beard at Dana White's Contender Series 56 on September 27, 2022.{{cite web|url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2022/8/13/23304652/bo-nickal-returns-to-face-donovan-beard-at-sept-27-contender-series-event|title=Bo Nickal returns to face Donovan Beard at Sept. 27 Contender Series event|date=August 13, 2022|publisher=mmafighting.com|author=Mike Heck}} Nickal submitted Beard in 52 seconds via triangle choke, once again not absorbing a significant strike. After this performance, Nickal was awarded his first UFC contract.{{cite web | url=https://jitsmagazine.com/three-time-ncaa-champ-bo-nickal-earns-ufc-contract/ | title=Three-time NCAA Champ Bo Nickal Earns UFC Contract | date=September 28, 2022 }}

Nickal was scheduled to make his UFC debut against Jamie Pickett on December 10, 2022, at UFC 282.{{Cite web |date=2022-09-29 |title=Bo Nickal set to debut at UFC 282 vs. Jamie Pickett |url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2022/09/ufc-282-news-bo-nickal-debut-vs-jamie-pickett |access-date=2022-09-30 |website=MMA Junkie |language=en-US}} However, Nickal withdrew due to injury.{{Cite web |date=2022-10-21 |title=Bo Nickal off UFC 282 vs. Jamie Pickett; promotion targeting new debut plans |url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2022/10/ufc-news-bo-nickal-debut-vs-jamie-pickett-off-delayed |access-date=2022-10-26 |website=MMA Junkie |language=en-US}} The bout was rescheduled for March 4, 2023 at UFC 285.{{Cite web |date=2022-12-29 |title=UFC 285 {{!}} Alles wat je moet weten over UFC 285 in Las Vegas |url=https://www.eurosport.nl/mixed-martial-arts/ufc/2022/ufc-285-alles-wat-je-moet-weten-over-ufc-285-in-las-vegas_sto9292191/story.shtml |access-date=2023-01-08 |website=Eurosport |language=nl}} He won the fight via an arm-triangle choke submission in the first round.{{Cite web|url=https://cagesidepress.com/2023/03/04/ufc-285-bo-nickal-vs-jamie-pickett/|title=UFC 285: Bo Nickal Wastes no time submitting Jamie Pickett in thrilling debut|website=Cageside Press|author=Shawn Bitter|date=2023-03-04|access-date=2023-03-04}} This win earned him the Performance of the Night award.{{Cite web |last=Anderson |first=Jay |date=2023-03-05 |title=Three Performance Bonuses Handed Out at UFC 285, Neal Gets Share of FOTN Despite Weight Miss |url=https://cagesidepress.com/2023/03/05/three-performance-bonuses-handed-ufc-285-neal-gets-share-fotn-despite-weight-miss/ |access-date=2023-03-06 |website=Cageside Press |language=en-US}} Following the fight, Pickett's manager announced plans to appeal the fight to the Nevada State Athletic Commission on the grounds that Nickal took advantage of an uncalled groin shot to win the fight.{{Cite web |date=2023-03-05 |title='I'm not a cheater': Bo Nickal denies foul after Jamie Pickett's manager reveals UFC 285 result appeal |url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2023/03/ufc-285-news-bo-nickal-vs-jamie-pickett-knee-groin-appeal-lamont-chappell |access-date=2023-03-06 |website=MMA Junkie |language=en-US}}

Nickal was scheduled to face Tresean Gore on July 8, 2023, at UFC 290.{{Cite web|url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2023/04/ufc-290-news-bo-nickal-set-to-face-tresean-gore-middleweight-bout-las-vegas|title=Bo Nickal gets next assignment, will face Tresean Gore at UFC 290 in Las Vegas|website=MMA Junkie|author=Matthew Wells|date=2023-04-07|access-date=2023-04-07}} However, Gore withdrew just days before the event due to a torn ligament in his wrist.{{Cite web|url=https://www.mmamania.com/2023/7/4/23783582/bummed-tresean-gore-reveals-injury-scrapped-bo-nickal-fight-ufc-290-timeline-octagon-return-mma|title='Bummed' Tresean Gore reveals injury that scrapped Bo Nickal fight at UFC 290 — 'I will still be champion'|publisher=mmamania.com|author=Jesse Holland|date=2023-07-04|access-date=2023-07-04}} He was replaced by promotional newcomer Val Woodburn.{{Cite web|url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2023/07/ufc-290-bo-nickal-vs-valentine-woodburn-booked-late-replacement|title=Bo Nickal gets newcomer Val Woodburn at UFC 290 as late replacement|publisher=mmajunkie.usatoday.com|author=Nolan King|date=2023-07-04|access-date=2023-07-04}} Nickal finished the bout 38 seconds into the first round via TKO stoppage.{{Cite web |last=Dewar |first=Val |date=2023-07-08 |title=UFC 290: Bo Nickal Stays Standing, KOs Val Woodburn in 38 Seconds |url=https://cagesidepress.com/2023/07/08/ufc-290-bo-nickal-stays-standing-knocks-out-val-woodburn-in-thirty-eight-seconds/ |access-date=2023-07-09 |website=Cageside Press |language=en-US}}

Nickal faced Cody Brundage on April 13, 2024, at UFC 300.{{Cite web|url=https://www.bjpenn.com/mma-news/dana-white/dana-white-announces-several-new-fights-including-three-for-ufc-300/|title=Dana White announces several new fights including three for UFC 300|publisher=bjpenn.com|author=Cole Shelton|date=2023-12-21|access-date=2023-12-21}} He won the fight by rear-naked choke submission in the second round.{{Cite web |last=Anderson |first=Jay |date=2024-04-14 |title=UFC 300: Bo Nickal Finally Leaves First Round, Submits Cody Brundage |url=https://cagesidepress.com/2024/04/13/ufc-300-bo-nickal-finally-leaves-first-round-submits-cody-brundage/ |access-date=2024-04-14 |website=Cageside Press |language=en-US}}

Nickal faced Paul Craig on November 16, 2024 at UFC 309.{{Cite web|url=https://www.telecomasia.net/news/mma/nickal-to-fight-craig-on-november-17-at-ufc-309/|title=Nickal to Fight Craig on November 17 at UFC 309|publisher=telecomasia.net|author=Marina Magomedova|date=2024-09-11|access-date=2024-09-11}} He won the fight by unanimous decision.{{Cite web|url=https://cagesidepress.com/2024/11/17/crowd-lets-bo-nickal-hear-it-after-going-distance-with-paul-craig-at-ufc-309/|title=Crowd Lets Bo Nickal Hear It After Going Distance with Paul Craig at UFC 309|publisher=cagesidepress.com|author=Brett Cagle|date=2024-11-17|access-date=2024-11-17}}

Nickal faced former ONE Middleweight and ONE Light Heavyweight World Champion Reinier de Ridder on May 3, 2025 at UFC on ESPN 67.{{Cite web|url=https://athlonsports.com/mma/undefeated-ufc-rising-star-bo-nickal-may-face-reinier-de-ridder|title=UFC’s Undefeated Rising Star Might Be in for a Challenge|publisher=athlonsports.com|author=Prince Horton|date=2025-03-07|access-date=2025-03-08}} He lost the fight by knockout in the second round after a knee to the body.{{Cite web|url=https://cagesidepress.com/2025/05/04/reinier-de-ridder-lands-big-knee-to-body-crushes-nickal/|title=Reinier de Ridder Lands Big Knee To Body, Crushes Nickal|publisher=cagesidepress.com|author=Eddie Law|date=2025-05-04|access-date=2025-05-04}}

Nickal competed in the first submission grappling match of his combat sports career at Third Coast Grappling 3 on December 7, 2019, when he faced Gordon Ryan in the main event. Nickal was submitted with a triangle choke.{{cite web |last1=Blackett |first1=Todd |title=Throwback: Gordon Ryan Submits Bo Nickal In BJJ Match |url=https://jitsmagazine.com/throwback-gordon-ryan-submits-bo-nickal-in-bjj-match/ |website=Jitsmagazine |date=August 22, 2023 |access-date=22 August 2023}}

Nickal represented iKon FC in a team grappling tournament at UFC Fight Pass Invitational 2 on July 3, 2022.{{cite web |last1=Lindsey |first1=Alex |title=UFC Fight Pass Invitational Announces Teams For Second Event |url=https://jitsmagazine.com/ufc-fight-pass-invitational-announces-teams-for-second-event/ |website=Jitsmagazine |date=June 26, 2022 |access-date=22 August 2023}} He fought Eliot Kelly to a draw in the opening round and fought Oliver Taza to a draw in the final, with iKon FC taking second place in the tournament.{{cite web |title=UFC Fight Pass Invitational 2 Full Results And Review |url=https://jitsmagazine.com/ufc-fight-pass-invitational-2-full-results-and-review/ |website=Jitsmagazine |date=July 4, 2022 |access-date=22 August 2023}}

Nickal is the son of Jason and Sandy Nickal. They were both college athletes, as his mother played basketball at San Diego State University and his father played football at Chadron State College.{{cite web |title=2018-19 Wrestling Roster |url=https://gopsusports.com/sports/wrestling/roster/bo-nickal/9028 |website=Go PSU Sports |accessdate=February 23, 2020}} Jason coached Nickal as a youth until he went off to college at Penn State.{{Cite web |title=Bo Nickal |url=https://www.teamusa.org:443/USA-Wrestling/Features/2005/August/15/Bo-Nickal |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200223044627/https://www.teamusa.org/USA-Wrestling/Features/2005/August/15/Bo-Nickal |url-status=dead |archive-date=February 23, 2020 |access-date=2020-05-02 |website=Team USA |language=en}} His mother Sandy is also a former amateur boxer.{{Cite web |date=2019-04-03 |title=Penn State Wrestling's Bo Nickal 'Could Be Great' At MMA |url=https://onwardstate.com/2019/04/03/penn-state-wrestlings-bo-nickal-could-be-great-at-mma/ |access-date=2020-06-05 |website=Onward State |language=en-US}}

Nickal is a Christian. He stated his faith in God helps alleviate the pressure he feels in competition, "Win or lose, I'm still the same person and my family loves me and I still serve a great God, and, you know, that's just part of His plan for my life is to wrestle. So I do feel like it's important, but at the end of the day that's not what defines me. I just have placed my identity in Jesus Christ and I go out there and compete freely and the best I can every match."{{Cite web |title=ASAP Sports Transcripts - Wrestling - 2019 - NCAA WRESTLING CHAMPIONSHIP - March 22 - Bo Nickal |url=http://www.asapsports.com/show_interview.php?id=148290 |access-date=2020-05-02 |website=www.asapsports.com}} As a child, his favorite wrestler was two-time Olympic Gold Medalist John Smith. Apart from wrestling, he is also an enthusiast of spikeball{{Cite web |last=Collegian |first=Shane Connelly {{!}} The Daily |title=How the Spikeball match between Penn State football's Micah Parsons and former Penn State wrestler Bo Nickal came to fruition |url=https://www.collegian.psu.edu/football/article_ecc664e8-f51e-11e9-b82c-9f12e7b657c1.html |access-date=2020-05-02 |website=The Daily Collegian |date=October 22, 2019 |language=en}} and likes American football, his favorite player being former Detroit Lions player Barry Sanders.

Nickal married Maddie Holmberg on December 12, 2020.{{Cite web |date=December 13, 2021 |title=SEE IT: Bo Nickal, Maddie Holmberg share wedding photos |url=https://www.collegian.psu.edu/sports/wrestling/article_9829f486-3da7-11eb-8691-5b13491b50d4.html |access-date=2022-01-04 |work=Penn State Daily Collegian}} (Note that [https://archive.today/20220105012736/https://www.amazon.com/wedding/registry/12K7I6AH75E09?ref=wr_search_page_result_1&tag=registryfcom-20 registries][https://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/store/giftregistry/viewregistryguest/548871869?selectedRLVFilters=_recommended for the couple] list December 12 as the wedding date). Maddie is the daughter of Rob Holmberg who played football at Penn State and in the NFL.

• Ultimate Fighting Championship
• Performance of the Night (One time) {{small| vs. Jamie Pickett}}
• UFC Honors Awards
• 2023: Fan's Choice Debut of the Year Winner {{small|vs. Jamie Pickett}}{{Cite web|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240418003110/https://www.ufc.com/honors/fans-choice|title=UFC Honors Fan's Choice Awards 2023|publisher=ufc.com|author=UFC Staff|date=2024-04-18|access-date=2025-01-13}}
• UFC.com Awards
• 2023: Ranked #2 Newcomer of the Year{{cite web|url=https://www.ufc.com/news/newcomers-2023-ufccom-awards-lopes-nickal-santos-saragih|title=The Newcomers - 2023 UFC.com Awards|date=December 19, 2023|author=Thomas Gerbasi|work=Ultimate Fighting Championship}}

{{MMArecordbox

|draws=

|nc=

|ko-wins=2

|ko-losses= 1

|sub-wins=4

|sub-losses=

|dec-wins=1

|dec-losses=

|dq-wins=

|dq-losses=

|other-wins=

|other-losses=

}}

{{MMA record start}}

|-

|{{no2}}Loss

|align=center|7–1

|Reinier de Ridder

|TKO (knees)

|UFC on ESPN: Sandhagen vs. Figueiredo

|{{dts|2025|May|3}}

|align=center|2

|align=center|1:53

|Des Moines, Iowa, United States

|

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|align=center|7–0

|Paul Craig

|Decision (unanimous)

|UFC 309

|{{dts|2024|November|16}}

|align=center|3

|align=center|5:00

|New York City, New York, United States

|

|-

|{{yes2|Win}}

|align=center|6–0

|Cody Brundage

|Submission (rear-naked choke)

|UFC 300

|{{dts|2024|April|13}}

|align=center|2

|align=center|3:38

|Las Vegas, Nevada, United States

|

|-

|{{yes2|Win}}

|align=center|5–0

|Val Woodburn

|TKO (punches)

|UFC 290

|{{dts|2023|July|8}}

|align=center|1

|align=center|0:38

|Las Vegas, Nevada, United States

|

|-

|{{yes2|Win}}

|align=center|4–0

|Jamie Pickett

|Submission (arm-triangle choke)

|UFC 285

|{{dts|2023|March|04}}

|align=center|1

|align=center|2:54

|Las Vegas, Nevada, United States

|{{small|Performance of the Night.}}

|-

|{{yes2|Win}}

|align=center|3–0

|Donovan Beard

|Submission (triangle choke)

|Dana White's Contender Series 56

|{{dts|2022|September|27}}

|align=center|1

|align=center|0:52

|Las Vegas, Nevada, United States

|

|-

|{{yes2|Win}}

|align=center|2–0

|Zachary Borrego

|Submission (rear-naked choke)

|Dana White's Contender Series 49

|{{dts|2022|August|9}}

|align=center|1

|align=center|1:02

|Las Vegas, Nevada, United States

|{{small|Catchweight (187.5 lb) bout; Borrego missed weight.}}

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|align=center|1–0

|John Noland

|KO (punches)

|Jorge Masvidal's iKON FC 3

|{{dts|2022|June|3}}

|align=center|1

|align=center|0:33

|Richmond, Virginia, United States

|{{small|Middleweight debut.}}

|-

{{end}}

{{cite web|title=Bo Nickal MMA Stats|url=https://www.sherdog.com/fighter/Bo-Nickal-392031 |website=Sherdog|access-date=6 June 2022|language=en}}

{{MMA amateur record box

|draws=

|nc=

|ko-wins=1

|ko-losses=

|sub-wins=1

|sub-losses=

|dec-wins=

|dec-losses=

|dq-wins=

|dq-losses=

|other-wins=

|other-losses=

}}

{{MMA record start}}

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|align=center|2–0

|Billy Goode

|KO (punch)

|Island Fights 70

|{{dts|2021|November|5}}

|align=center|1

|align=center|0:56

|Pensacola, Florida, United States

|

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|align=center|1–0

|David Conley

|Submission (guillotine choke)

|Island Fights 69

|{{dts|2021|September|24}}

|align=center|1

|align=center|2:02

|Pensacola, Florida, United States

|

{{end}}

{{s-start}}

! colspan="7"| Senior freestyle wrestling matches

|-

! Res.

! Record

! Opponent

! Score

! Date

! Event

! Location

|-

! style=background:white colspan=7 |{{small| 2020 US Olympic Team Trials {{silver2}} at 86 kg}}

|-

|{{no2}}Loss

|28–10

|align=left|{{flagicon|USA}} David Taylor

|style="font-size:88%"|0–6

|style="font-size:88%" rowspan=5|April 2–3, 2021

|style="font-size:88%" rowspan=5|2020 US Olympic Team Trials

|style="text-align:left;font-size:88%;" rowspan=5|{{flagicon|USA}} Fort Worth, Texas

|-

|{{no2}}Loss

|28–9

|align=left|{{flagicon|USA}} David Taylor

|style="font-size:88%"|0–4

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|28–8

|align=left|{{flagicon|USA}} Zahid Valencia

|style="font-size:88%"|12–5

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|27–8

|align=left|{{flagicon|USA}} Pat Downey

|style="font-size:88%"|TF 13–3

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|26–8

|align=left|{{flagicon|USA}} Carter Starocci

|style="font-size:88%"|6–1

|-

|{{no2}}Loss

|25–8

|align=left|{{flagicon|USA}} Gabe Dean

|style="font-size:88%"|2–3

|style="font-size:88%"|February 23, 2021

|style="font-size:88%"|NLWC V

|style="text-align:left;font-size:88%;" rowspan=2|

{{flagicon|USA}} State College, Pennsylvania

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|25–7

|align=left|{{flagicon|USA}} Alex Dieringer

|style="font-size:88%"|1–1

|style="font-size:88%"|September 19, 2020

|style="font-size:88%"|NLWC I

|-

! style=background:white colspan=7 |{{small|2020 Matteo Pellicone Ranking Series 7th at 97 kg}}

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|24–7

|align=left|{{flagicon|KAZ}} Alisher Yergali

|style="font-size:88%"|13–12

|style="font-size:88%" rowspan=3|January 15–18, 2020

|style="font-size:88%" rowspan=3|Matteo Pellicone Ranking Series 2020

|style="text-align:left;font-size:88%;" rowspan=3|

{{flagicon|ITA}} Rome, Italy

|-

|{{no2}}Loss

|23–7

|align=left|{{flagicon|IRI}} Mohammad Mohammadian

|style="font-size:88%"|TF 0–10

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|23–6

|align=left|{{flagicon|GER}} George Stark Serege

|style="font-size:88%"|TF 11–1

|-

! style=background:white colspan=7 |{{small|2019 U23 World Championships {{gold1}} at 92 kg}}

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|22–6

|align=left|{{flagicon|RUS}} Batyrbek Tsakulov

|style="font-size:88%"|TF 12–2

|style="font-size:88%"|October 30, 2019

|style="font-size:88%" rowspan=4|2019 U23 World Championships

|style="text-align:left;font-size:88%;" rowspan=4|

{{flagicon|HUN}} Budapest, Hungary

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|21–6

|align=left|{{flagicon|AZE}} Shamil Zubairov

|style="font-size:88%"|9–1

|style="font-size:88%" rowspan=3|October 29, 2019

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|20–6

|align=left|{{flagicon|JPN}} Takumi Tanizaki

|style="font-size:88%"|Fall

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|19–6

|align=left|{{flagicon|IRI}} Hossein Shahbazigazvar

|style="font-size:88%"|TF 12–2

|-

! style=background:white colspan=7 |{{small| 2019 US U23 World Team Trials {{gold1}} at 92 kg}}

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|18–6

|align=left|{{flagicon|USA}} Jake Woodley

|style="font-size:88%"|12–4

|style="font-size:88%" rowspan=2|July 16, 2019

|style="font-size:88%" rowspan=2|2019 Fargo Nationals (special wrestle-off)

|style="text-align:left;font-size:88%;" rowspan=2|

{{flagicon|USA}} Fargo, North Dakota

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|17–6

|align=left|{{flagicon|USA}} Jake Woodley

|style="font-size:88%"|8–2

|-

! style=background:white colspan=7 |{{small| 2019 US World Team Trials {{silver2}} at 92 kg}}

|-

|{{no2}}Loss

|16–6

|align=left|{{flagicon|USA}} J'den Cox

|style="font-size:88%"|0–5

|style="font-size:88%"|June 8, 2019

|style="font-size:88%" rowspan=2|2019 Final X: Rutgers

|style="text-align:left;font-size:88%;" rowspan=2|

{{flagicon|USA}} New Brunswick, New Jersey

|-

|{{no2}}Loss

|16–5

|align=left|{{flagicon|USA}} J'den Cox

|style="font-size:88%"|2–4

|style="font-size:88%"|June 7, 2019

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|16–4

|align=left|{{flagicon|USA}} Michael Macchiavello

|style="font-size:88%"|5–0

|style="font-size:88%"|May 19, 2019

|style="font-size:88%" rowspan=2|2019 US World Team Trials Challenge Tournament

|style="text-align:left;font-size:88%;" rowspan=2|

{{flagicon|USA}} Lincoln, Nebraska

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|15–4

|align=left|{{flagicon|USA}} Michael Macchiavello

|style="font-size:88%"|TF 10–0

|style="font-size:88%"|May 18, 2019

|-

! style=background:white colspan=7 |{{small|2019 US Open {{gold1}} at 92 kg}}

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|14–4

|align=left|{{flagicon|USA}} Hayden Zillmer

|style="font-size:88%"|TF 13–3

|style="font-size:88%" rowspan=5|April 24–27, 2019

|style="font-size:88%" rowspan=5|2019 US Open National Championships

|style="text-align:left;font-size:88%;" rowspan=5|

{{flagicon|USA}} Las Vegas, Nevada

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|13–4

|align=left|{{flagicon|USA}} Michael Macchiavello

|style="font-size:88%"|TF 14–4

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|12–4

|align=left|{{flagicon|USA}} Scottie Boykin

|style="font-size:88%"|TF 10–0

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|11–4

|align=left|{{flagicon|USA}} Patrick Rhoads

|style="font-size:88%"|Fall

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|10–4

|align=left|{{flagicon|USA}} Jamal Lewis

|style="font-size:88%"|Fall

|-

! style=background:white colspan=7 |{{small|2017 US Open 4th at 86 kg}}

|-

|{{no2}}Loss

|9–4

|align=left|{{flagicon|USA}} Nick Heflin

|style="font-size:88%"|8–10

|style="font-size:88%" rowspan=3|April 29, 2017

|style="font-size:88%" rowspan=6|2017 US Open National Championships

|style="text-align:left;font-size:88%;" rowspan=6|

{{flagicon|USA}} Las Vegas, Nevada

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|9–3

|align=left|{{flagicon|USA}} Pat Downey

|style="font-size:88%"|TF 12–2

|-

|{{no2}}Loss

|8–3

|align=left|{{flagicon|USA}} Richard Perry

|style="font-size:88%"|8–10

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|8–2

|align=left|{{flagicon|USA}} John Staudenmayer

|style="font-size:88%"|TF 10–0

|style="font-size:88%" rowspan=3|April 28, 2017

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|7–2

|align=left|{{flagicon|USA}} Timmy McCall

|style="font-size:88%"|TF 10–0

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|6–2

|align=left|{{flagicon|USA}} Randy Keesler

|style="font-size:88%"|TF 10–0

|-

! style=background:white colspan=7 |{{small|2016 US Last Chance OTT 4th at 86 kg}}

|-

|{{no2}}Loss

|5–2

|align=left|{{flagicon|USA}} Nick Heflin

|style="font-size:88%"|Fall

|style="font-size:88%" rowspan=7|April 3, 2016

|style="font-size:88%" rowspan=7|2016 US Last Chance Olympic Team Trials Qualifier

|style="text-align:left;font-size:88%;" rowspan=7|

{{flagicon|USA}} Cedar Falls, Iowa

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|5–1

|align=left|{{flagicon|USA}} Robert Hamlin

|style="font-size:88%"|10–8

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|4–1

|align=left|{{flagicon|USA}} Victor Terrell

|style="font-size:88%"|TF 10–0

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|3–1

|align=left|{{flagicon|USA}} Frank Richmond

|style="font-size:88%"|14–10

|-

|{{no2}}Loss

|2–1

|align=left|{{flagicon|USA}} Kevin Steinhaus

|style="font-size:88%"|TF 1–12

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|2–0

|align=left|{{flagicon|USA}} Austin Faunce

|style="font-size:88%"|TF 10–0

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|1–0

|align=left|{{flagicon|USA}} Wesley Schultz

|style="font-size:88%"|TF 10–0

|-

{{end}}

{{s-start}}

! colspan="8"| NCAA Division I Record

|-

! Res.

! Record

! Opponent

! Score

! Date

! Event

|-

! style=background:lighgrey colspan=6 |End of 2018–2019 Season (senior year)

|-

! style=background:white colspan=6 |2019 NCAA Championships {{gold1}} at 197 lbs

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|120–3

|align=left|Kollin Moore

|style="font-size:88%"|5–1

|style="font-size:88%" rowspan=5|March 21–23, 2019

|style="font-size:88%" rowspan=5|2019 NCAA Division I National Championships

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|119–3

|align=left|Patrick Brucki

|style="font-size:88%"|Fall

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|118–3

|align=left|Nathan Traxler

|style="font-size:88%"|MD 14–4

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|117–3

|align=left|Josh Hokit

|style="font-size:88%"|Fall

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|116–3

|align=left|Ethan Laird

|style="font-size:88%"|Fall

|-

! style=background:white colspan=6 | 2019 Big Ten Conference {{gold1}} at 197 lbs

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|115–3

|align=left|Kollin Moore

|style="font-size:88%"|10–3

|style="font-size:88%" rowspan=3|March 9–10, 2019

|style="font-size:88%" rowspan=3|2019 Big Ten Conference Championships

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|114–3

|align=left|Eric Schultz

|style="font-size:88%"|MD 10–2

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|113–3

|align=left|Brad Wilton

|style="font-size:88%"|TF 19–4

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|112–3

|align=left|Brett Perry

|style="font-size:88%"|Fall

|style="font-size:88%"|February 24, 2019

|style="font-size:88%"|Buffalo - Penn State Dual

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|111–3

|align=left|Matt Wroblewski

|style="font-size:88%"|TF 19–3

|style="font-size:88%"|February 17, 2019

|style="font-size:88%"|Penn State- Illinois Dual

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|110–3

|align=left|Brad Wilton

|style="font-size:88%"|Fall

|style="font-size:88%"|February 15, 2019

|style="font-size:88%"|Michigan State - Penn State Dual

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|109–3

|align=left|Kollin Moore

|style="font-size:88%"|Fall

|style="font-size:88%"|February 8, 2019

|style="font-size:88%"|Penn State - Ohio State Dual

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|108–3

|align=left|Jackson Striggow

|style="font-size:88%"|Fall

|style="font-size:88%"|February 2, 2019

|style="font-size:88%"|Michigan - Penn State Dual

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|107–3

|align=left|Kleimola Jake

|style="font-size:88%"|Fall

|style="font-size:88%"|January 27, 2019

|style="font-size:88%"|Penn State - Indiana State Dual

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|106–3

|align=left|Christian Brunner

|style="font-size:88%"|MD 17–6

|style="font-size:88%"|January 25, 2019

|style="font-size:88%"|Penn State - Purdue Dual

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|105–3

|align=left|Eric Schultz

|style="font-size:88%"|8–6

|style="font-size:88%"|January 20, 2019

|style="font-size:88%"|Nebraska - Penn State Dual

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|104–3

|align=left|Beau Breske

|style="font-size:88%"|MD 14–4

|style="font-size:88%"|January 13, 2019

|style="font-size:88%"|Wisconsin - Penn State Dual

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|103–3

|align=left|Zack Chakonis

|style="font-size:88%"|Fall

|style="font-size:88%"|January 11, 2019

|style="font-size:88%"|Penn State - Northwestern Dual

|-

! style=background:white colspan=6 | 2019 Southern Scuffle {{gold1}} at 197 lbs

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|102–3

|align=left|Nathan Traxler

|style="font-size:88%"|Fall

|style="font-size:88%" rowspan=5|January 1–2, 2019

|style="font-size:88%" rowspan=5|2019 Southern Scuffle

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|101–3

|align=left|Tom Sleigh

|style="font-size:88%"|Fall

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|100–3

|align=left|Joshua Roetman

|style="font-size:88%"|Fall

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|99–3

|align=left|Luke McGonigal

|style="font-size:88%"|Fall

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|98–3

|align=left|Tyrie Houghton

|style="font-size:88%"|Fall

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|97–3

|align=left|Austyn Harris

|style="font-size:88%"|Fall

|style="font-size:88%"|December 14, 2018

|style="font-size:88%"|Arizona State - Penn State Dual

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|96–3

|align=left|Jake Jakobsen

|style="font-size:88%"|TF 19–4

|style="font-size:88%"|December 14, 2018

|style="font-size:88%"|Lehigh - Penn State Dual

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|95–3

|align=left|Drew Phipps

|style="font-size:88%"|MD 16–6

|style="font-size:88%"|November 30, 2018

|style="font-size:88%"|Penn State - Bucknell Dual

|-

! style=background:white colspan=6 | 2018 Keystone Classic {{gold1}} at 197 lbs

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|94–3

|align=left|Stephen Loiseau

|style="font-size:88%"|MD 18–4

|style="font-size:88%" rowspan=3|November 18, 2018

|style="font-size:88%" rowspan=3|2018 Keystone Classic

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|93–3

|align=left|Ethan Laird

|style="font-size:88%"|Fall

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|92–3

|align=left|Benjamin Markulec

|style="font-size:88%"|Fall

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|91–3

|align=left|Shane Mast

|style="font-size:88%"|Fall

|style="font-size:88%"|November 11, 2018

|style="font-size:88%"|Maryland - Ohio State Dual

|-

! style=background:lighgrey colspan=6 |Start of 2018–2019 Season (senior year)

|-

! style=background:lighgrey colspan=6 |End of 2017–2018 Season (junior year)

|-

! style=background:white colspan=6 | 2018 NCAA Championships {{gold1}} at 184 lbs

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|90–3

|align=left|Myles Martin

|style="font-size:88%"|Fall

|style="font-size:88%" rowspan=5|March 15–17, 2018

|style="font-size:88%" rowspan=5|2018 NCAA Division I National Championships

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|89–3

|align=left|Domenic Abounader

|style="font-size:88%"|6–3

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|88–3

|align=left|Max Dean

|style="font-size:88%"|13–7

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|87–3

|align=left|Jordan Ellingwood

|style="font-size:88%"|10–4

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|86–3

|align=left|Martin Mueller

|style="font-size:88%"|MD 16–4

|-

! style=background:white colspan=6 | 2018 Big Ten Conference {{gold1}} at 184 lbs

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|85–3

|align=left|Myles Martin

|style="font-size:88%"|7–4

|style="font-size:88%" rowspan=3|March 3–4, 2018

|style="font-size:88%" rowspan=3|2018 Big Ten Conference Championships

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|83–3

|align=left|Emery Parker

|style="font-size:88%"|5–2

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|84–3

|align=left|Brandon Krone

|style="font-size:88%"|Fall

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|82–3

|align=left|Brett Perry

|style="font-size:88%"|Fall

|style="font-size:88%"|February 18, 2018

|style="font-size:88%"|Buffalo - Penn State Dual

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|81–3

|align=left|Mitch Bowman

|style="font-size:88%"|Fall

|style="font-size:88%"|February 10, 2018

|style="font-size:88%"|Iowa - Penn State Dual

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|80–3

|align=left|Myles Martin

|style="font-size:88%"|MD 10–2

|style="font-size:88%"|February 3, 2018

|style="font-size:88%"|Ohio State - Penn State Dual

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|79–3

|align=left|Nicholas Gravina

|style="font-size:88%"|6–5

|style="font-size:88%"|January 28, 2018

|style="font-size:88%"|Penn State - Rutgers Dual

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|78–3

|align=left|Dylan Anderson

|style="font-size:88%"|Fall

|style="font-size:88%"|January 26, 2018

|style="font-size:88%"|Minnesota - Penn State Dual

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|77–3

|align=left|Niko Capello

|style="font-size:88%"|Fall

|style="font-size:88%"|January 21, 2018

|style="font-size:88%"|Penn State - Maryland Dual

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|76–3

|align=left|Max Lyon

|style="font-size:88%"|Fall

|style="font-size:88%"|January 19, 2018

|style="font-size:88%"|Purdue - Penn State Dual

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|75–3

|align=left|Shwan Shadaia

|style="font-size:88%"|Fall

|style="font-size:88%"|January 14, 2018

|style="font-size:88%"|Penn State -Michigan State Dual

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|74–3

|align=left|Domenic Abounader

|style="font-size:88%"|5–2

|style="font-size:88%"|January 12, 2018

|style="font-size:88%"|Penn State - Michigan Dual

|-

! style=background:white colspan=6 | 2018 Southern Scuffle {{gold1}} at 184 lbs

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|73–3

|align=left|Drew Foster

|style="font-size:88%"|MD 10–2

|style="font-size:88%" rowspan=5|January 1–2, 2018

|style="font-size:88%" rowspan=5|2018 Southern Scuffle

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|72–3

|align=left|Nick Renan

|style="font-size:88%"|MD 12-4

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|71–3

|align=left|Stanley Smeltzer

|style="font-size:88%"|Fall

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|70–3

|align=left|Austin Flores

|style="font-size:88%"|Fall

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|69–3

|align=left|Nick Mosco

|style="font-size:88%"|Fall

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|68–3

|align=left|Norman Conley

|style="font-size:88%"|Fall

|style="font-size:88%"|December 17, 2017

|style="font-size:88%"|Indiana - Penn State Dual

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|67–3

|align=left|Ryan Preisch

|style="font-size:88%"|TF 19–4

|style="font-size:88%"|December 14, 2017

|style="font-size:88%"|Penn State - Lehigh Dual

|-

! style=background:white colspan=6 | 2017 Keystone Classic {{gold1}} at 184 lbs

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|66–3

|align=left|Mitch Sliga

|style="font-size:88%"|Fall

|style="font-size:88%" rowspan=4|November 19, 2017

|style="font-size:88%" rowspan=4|2017 Keystone Classic

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|65–3

|align=left|Josh Murphy

|style="font-size:88%"|Fall

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|64–3

|align=left|Kanon Dean

|style="font-size:88%"|TF 24–9

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|63–3

|align=left|Ben Wagner

|style="font-size:88%"|Fall

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|62–3

|align=left|Steve Schneider

|style="font-size:88%"|MD 15–6

|style="font-size:88%"|November 17, 2017

|style="font-size:88%"|Penn State - Binghamton Dual

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|61–3

|align=left|Drew Phipps

|style="font-size:88%"|TF 16–6

|style="font-size:88%"|November 12, 2017

|style="font-size:88%"|Bucknell - Penn State Dual

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|60–3

|align=left|Noah Steward

|style="font-size:88%"|Fall

|style="font-size:88%"|November 11, 2017

|style="font-size:88%"|Army - Penn State Dual

|-

! style=background:lighgrey colspan=6 |Start of 2017–2018 Season (junior year)

|-

! style=background:lighgrey colspan=6 |End of 2016–2017 Season (sophomore year)

|-

! style=background:white colspan=6 | 2017 NCAA Championships {{gold1}} at 184 lbs

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|59–3

|align=left|Gabe Dean

|style="font-size:88%"|4–3

|style="font-size:88%" rowspan=5|March 16–18, 2017

|style="font-size:88%" rowspan=5|2017 NCAA Division I National Championships

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|58–3

|align=left|Sammy Brooks

|style="font-size:88%"|Fall

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|57–3

|align=left|TJ Dudley

|style="font-size:88%"|Fall

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|56–3

|align=left|Steve Schneider

|style="font-size:88%"|Fall

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|55–3

|align=left|Mitch Sliga

|style="font-size:88%"|TF 15–0

|-

! style=background:white colspan=6 | 2017 Big Ten Conference {{bronze3}} at 184 lbs

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|54–3

|align=left|TJ Dudley

|style="font-size:88%"|14–9

|style="font-size:88%" rowspan=4|March 4–5, 2017

|style="font-size:88%" rowspan=4|2017 Big Ten Conference Championships

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|53–3

|align=left|Emery Parker

|style="font-size:88%"|8–2

|-

|{{no2}}Loss

|52–3

|align=left|Myles Martin

|style="font-size:88%"|4–6

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|52–2

|align=left|Hunter Ritter

|style="font-size:88%"|Fall

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|51–2

|align=left|Nolan Boyd

|style="font-size:88%"|Fall

|style="font-size:88%"|February 19, 2017

|style="font-size:88%"|Penn State- Oklahoma State Dual

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|50–2

|align=left|Idris White

|style="font-size:88%"|Fall

|style="font-size:88%"|February 12, 2017

|style="font-size:88%"|Maryland - Penn State Dual

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|49–2

|align=left|Emery Parker

|style="font-size:88%"|MD 18–5

|style="font-size:88%"|February 10, 2017

|style="font-size:88%"|Illinois -Penn State Dual

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|48–2

|align=left|Myles Martin

|style="font-size:88%"|8–2

|style="font-size:88%"|February 3, 2017

|style="font-size:88%"|Penn State - Ohio State Dual

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|47–2

|align=left|Mitch Sliga

|style="font-size:88%"|MD 10–1

|style="font-size:88%"|Januany 29, 2017

|style="font-size:88%"|Penn State - Northwestern Dual

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|46–2

|align=left|Hunter Ritter

|style="font-size:88%"|Fall

|style="font-size:88%"|January 27, 2017

|style="font-size:88%"|Penn State - Wisconsin Dual

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|45–2

|align=left|Sammy Brooks

|style="font-size:88%"|Fall

|style="font-size:88%"|January 20, 2017

|style="font-size:88%"|Penn State - Iowa Dual

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|44–2

|align=left|Nicholas Gravina

|style="font-size:88%"|Fall

|style="font-size:88%"|January 13, 2017

|style="font-size:88%"|Rutgers - Penn State Dual

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|43–2

|align=left|TJ Dudley

|style="font-size:88%"|10–5

|style="font-size:88%"|January 8, 2017

|style="font-size:88%"|Penn State - Nebraska Dual

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|42–2

|align=left|Robert Steveson

|style="font-size:88%"|Fall

|style="font-size:88%"|January 6, 2017

|style="font-size:88%"|Penn State - Minnesota Dual

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|41–2

|align=left|Steve Schneider

|style="font-size:88%"|TF 18–7

|style="font-size:88%"|December 12, 2016

|style="font-size:88%"|Binghamton - Penn State Dual

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|40–2

|align=left|Kyle Gentile

|style="font-size:88%"|Fall

|style="font-size:88%"|December 4, 2016

|style="font-size:88%"|Lehigh - Bucknell Dual

|-

! style=background:white colspan=6 | 2016 Keystone Classic {{gold1}} at 184 lbs

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|39–2

|align=left|Mitch Sliga

|style="font-size:88%"|Fall

|style="font-size:88%" rowspan=4|November 20, 2016

|style="font-size:88%" rowspan=4|2016 Keystone Classic

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|38–2

|align=left|Anthony Mancini

|style="font-size:88%"|Fall

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|37–2

|align=left|Kayne MacCallum

|style="font-size:88%"|Fall

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|36–2

|align=left|Elliot Antler

|style="font-size:88%"|Fall

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|35–2

|align=left|Austin Flores

|style="font-size:88%"|Fall

|style="font-size:88%"|November 13, 2016

|style="font-size:88%"|Standford - Penn State Dual

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|34–2

|align=left|Samson Imonode

|style="font-size:88%"|Fall

|style="font-size:88%"|November 11, 2016

|style="font-size:88%"|Penn State - Army Dual

|-

! style=background:lighgrey colspan=6 |Start of 2016–2017 Season (sophomore year)

|-

! style=background:lighgrey colspan=6 |End of 2015–2016 Season (freshman year)

|-

! style=background:white colspan=6 |2016 NCAA Championships {{silver2}} at 174 lbs

|-

|{{no2}}Loss

|33–2

|align=left|Myles Martin

|style="font-size:88%"|9–11

|style="font-size:88%" rowspan=5|March 17–19, 2016

|style="font-size:88%" rowspan=5|2016 NCAA Division I National Championships

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|33–1

|align=left|Nate Jackson

|style="font-size:88%"|4–3

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|32–1

|align=left|Chandler Rogers

|style="font-size:88%"|MD 15–4

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|31–1

|align=left|Micah Barnes

|style="font-size:88%"|7–2

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|30–1

|align=left|Josef Johnson

|style="font-size:88%"|MD 10–2

|-

! style=background:white colspan=6 | 2016 Big Ten Conference {{gold1}} at 174 lbs

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|29–1

|align=left|Zac Brunson

|style="font-size:88%"|MD 18–9

|style="font-size:88%" rowspan=3|March 5–6, 2016

|style="font-size:88%" rowspan=3|2016 Big Ten Conference Championships

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|28–1

|align=left|Myles Martin

|style="font-size:88%"|Fall

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|27–1

|align=left|Phillip Bakuckas

|style="font-size:88%"|MD 15–3

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|26–1

|align=left|Hestin Lamons

|style="font-size:88%"|TF 17–2

|style="font-size:88%"|February 21, 2016

|style="font-size:88%"|Oklahoma State - Penn State Dual

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|25–1

|align=left|Travis Curley

|style="font-size:88%"|TF 24–9

|style="font-size:88%"|Feb 13, 2016

|style="font-size:88%"|Michigan State - Penn State Dual

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|24–1

|align=left|Gordon Wolf

|style="font-size:88%"|MD 14–6

|style="font-size:88%"|Feb 12, 2016

|style="font-size:88%"|Penn State - Lehigh Dual

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|23–1

|align=left|Myles Martin

|style="font-size:88%"|11–5

|style="font-size:88%"|February 5, 2016

|style="font-size:88%"|Ohio State - Penn State Dual

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|22–1

|align=left|Davonte Mahomes

|style="font-size:88%"|INJ

|style="font-size:88%"|January 31, 2016

|style="font-size:88%"|Michigan - Penn State Dual

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|21–1

|align=left|Zac Brunson

|style="font-size:88%"|Fall

|style="font-size:88%"|Jan 23, 2016

|style="font-size:88%"|Penn State - Illinois Dual

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|20–1

|align=left|Mitch Sliga

|style="font-size:88%"|Fall

|style="font-size:88%"|Jan 17, 2016

|style="font-size:88%"|Penn State - Northwestern Dual

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|19–1

|align=left|Micah Barnes

|style="font-size:88%"|10–3

|style="font-size:88%"|January 15, 2016

|style="font-size:88%"|Nebraska - Penn State Dual

|-

|{{no2}}Loss

|18–1

|align=left|Nate Jackson

|style="font-size:88%"|6–7

|style="font-size:88%"|January 12, 2016

|style="font-size:88%"|Penn State - Indiana Dual

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|18–0

|align=left|Jacob Morrissey

|style="font-size:88%"|TF 16–1

|style="font-size:88%"|January 8, 2016

|style="font-size:88%"|Penn State - Purdue Dual

|-

! style=background:white colspan=6 | 2016 Southern Scuffle {{gold1}} at 174 lbs

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|17–0

|align=left|Ethan Ramos

|style="font-size:88%"|11–7

|style="font-size:88%" rowspan=6|January 1–2, 2016

|style="font-size:88%" rowspan=6|2016 Southern Scuffle

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|16–0

|align=left|Brian Realbuto

|style="font-size:88%"|14–7

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|15–0

|align=left|Mike Ottinger

|style="font-size:88%"|4–3

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|14–0

|align=left|Fox Baldwin

|style="font-size:88%"|MD 15–6

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|13–0

|align=left|Movahedi Sohrab

|style="font-size:88%"|TF 20–2

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|12–0

|align=left|Randy Roden

|style="font-size:88%"|TF 17–1

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|11–0

|align=left|Wayne Stinson

|style="font-size:88%"|Fall

|style="font-size:88%"|December 19, 2015

|style="font-size:88%"|Penn State - Rider Dual

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|10–0

|align=left|Ricky Robertson

|style="font-size:88%"|MD 15–2

|style="font-size:88%"|December 19, 2015

|style="font-size:88%"|Wisconsin - Penn State Dual

|-

! style=background:white colspan=6 | 2015 Nittany Lion Open {{gold1}} at 174 lbs

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|9–0

|align=left|Myles Martin

|style="font-size:88%"|4–3

|style="font-size:88%" rowspan=5|December 6, 2015

|style="font-size:88%" rowspan=5|2015 Nittany Lion Open

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|8–0

|align=left|Anthony Pafumi

|style="font-size:88%"|Fall

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|7–0

|align=left|Domenic Prezzia

|style="font-size:88%"|Fall

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|6–0

|align=left|Nick Stephani

|style="font-size:88%"|TF 25–8

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|5–0

|align=left|Graham Ratermann

|style="font-size:88%"|Fall

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|4–0

|align=left|Keaton Subjeck

|style="font-size:88%"|MD 12–4

|style="font-size:88%"|November 22, 2015

|style="font-size:88%"|Penn State - Stanford Dual

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|3–0

|align=left|Bryce Hammond

|style="font-size:88%"|Fall

|style="font-size:88%"|November 20, 2015

|style="font-size:88%"|Penn State – CSU Bakersfield Dual

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|2–0

|align=left|Zach Epperly

|style="font-size:88%"|6–2

|style="font-size:88%"|November 15, 2015

|style="font-size:88%"|Penn State – Virginia State Dual

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|1–0

|align=left|Tyler Wood

|style="font-size:88%"|TF 21–6

|style="font-size:88%"|November 13, 2015

|style="font-size:88%"|Lock Havon – Penn State Dual

|-

! style=background:lighgrey colspan=6 | Start of 2015–2016 Season (freshman year)

{{end}}

{{s-start}}

! Season

! Year

! School

! Rank

! Weigh Class

! Record

! Win

! Bonus

|-

|2019

|Senior

|rowspan=4|Penn State University

|#1 (1st)

|197

|30–0

|100.00%

|90.00%

|-

|2018

|Junior

|#1 (1st)

|184

|31–0

|100.00%

|74.19%

|-

|2017

|Sophomore

|#2 (1st)

|184

|26–1

|96.30%

|77.78%

|-

|2016

|Freshman

|#1 (2nd)

|174

|33–2

|94.29%

|65.71%

|-

|colspan=5 bgcolor="LIGHTGREY"|Career

|bgcolor="LIGHTGREY"|120–3

|bgcolor="LIGHTGREY"|97.65%

|bgcolor="LIGHTGREY"|76.77%

{{end}}

{{Cite web|url=https://www.wrestlestat.com/wrestler/20302/nickal-bo/profile|title=Bo Nickal|last=Wrestlestat.com|website=WrestleStat|access-date=2020-02-26}}

{| class="wikitable sortable" style="font-size:80%; text-align:left;"

|-

| colspan=9 style="text-align:center;" | 3 Matches, 0 Wins, 1 Loss (1 Submission), 2 Draws

|-

! Result

! Rec.

! Opponent

! Method

! Event

! Division

! Type

! Year

! Location

|-

|{{draw}}Draw|| style="text-align:center;" |{{nowrap|0–1–2}}||{{flagicon|CAN}} Oliver Taza || Draw (time limit)|| rowspan="2" | UFC Fight Pass Invitational 2|| rowspan="2" | Open|| rowspan="2" |Nogi|| rowspan="2" | July 3, 2022|| rowspan="2" |{{flagicon|USA}} Las Vegas, Nevada

|-

|{{draw}}Draw||style="text-align:center;"|0–1–1||{{flagicon|USA}} Elliot Kelly ||Draw (time limit)

|-

|{{no2}}Loss||style="text-align:center;"|0–1||{{flagicon|USA}} Gordon Ryan ||Submission (triangle choke)|| Third Coast Grappling 3|| Superfight||Nogi||December 7, 2019||{{flagicon|USA}} Houston, Texas

|-

{{end}}

{{Reflist}}

• {{sherdog|392031}}
• {{UFC|Bo_Nickal}}

{{Footer Big Ten Conference Athlete of the Year}}

{{Big Ten Conference wrestling 197-pound champions}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Nickal, Bo}}

Category:1996 births

Category:Living people

Category:American male mixed martial artists

Category:Middleweight mixed martial artists

Category:Mixed martial artists utilizing collegiate wrestling

Category:Mixed martial artists utilizing freestyle wrestling

Category:Mixed martial artists utilizing Brazilian jiu-jitsu

Category:Mixed martial artists from Colorado

Category:American male sport wrestlers

Category:Penn State Nittany Lions wrestlers

Category:American practitioners of Brazilian jiu-jitsu

Category:Big Ten Athlete of the Year winners

Category:People from Garfield County, Colorado

Category:American Christians

Category:21st-century American sportsmen