This past weekend in the featured prelim of UFC 322, we saw a big time middleweight matchup featuring one of the best prospects in the sport. Bo Nickal (8-1) was back and he was looking to get back on track as he took on Rodolfo Vieira (11-4).
This was such a big spot for Bo Nickal because he was really humbled in his last fight. Back in May, Nickal faced Reinier De Ridder and in that fight, it really showed that Nickal was not ready to fight the top guys at 185 pounds.
Vieira was a tough opponent, but it was a fitting step back for Nickal and a good opportunity to see how he could bounce back. He bounced back very strongly at UFC 322. It was evident early with a big takedown and big ground shots that opened up Rodolfo Vieira.
Nickal felt like he was in control throughout the whole fight and Rodolfo Vieira really never got going. In the third round, Nickal launched a high kick that landed flush and knocked Vieira out cold giving Nickal the massive victory.
What’s next after UFC 322?
This was such a big win and performance for Nickal considering how much pressure he had entering this fight. Nickal talked a lot and he was extremely humbled against RDR. Without a strong performance and a win on Saturday night, who knows what the future would’ve been for Nickal in the UFC.
That said, he got the job done and he can resume his movement towards the middleweight rankings. In terms of his next opponent, I like him against Christian Leroy Duncan. Duncan is a former Cage Warriors champion and he’s 5-1 in his last six fights with the lone loss coming against “Robocop” Gregory Rodrigues. Seems like a great fight for both Duncan and Nickal.
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