Three-time NCAA Division 1 National Champion Bo Nickal has had a bright start to his young MMA career, carried by wrestling which has translated well to grappling in his new sport, allowing him to win all four of his pro fights in the first round.
Nickal faced Val Woodburn to open the UFC 290 main card after his original opponent, Tresean Gore, pulled out with injury. Woodburn, an undefeated fighter from the Combat Nights Pro promotion, stepped up on a few days notice to take on one of the toughest matchups that any debuting fighter could expect to face in the division. The high-profile spot offered a massive opportunity for Woodburn if he could overcome opening as the biggest underdog in UFC history on the betting line, at -2500.
The two fighters came out and traded in the center. It took a second for Bo to find his timing, and he got clipped in the opening seconds, but once he did he landed a clean lead right hook that rocked Woodburn. Val was put on Bambi legs from that and Nickal only had to press forward to knock down Woodburn with an uppercut, forcing the referee to stop the fight.
38 seconds 💥 #UFC290 pic.twitter.com/oMVUzbDHRZ
— UFC (@ufc) July 9, 2023
This was Bo Nickal’s second UFC win, both coming in the first round. What is truly significant is the fact that he was able to knock an opponent out without resorting to his wrestling at all. The development of the former Penn State Wrestling star is truly impressive. In his post-fight speech he announced that his wife is pregnant with their first child, giving Nickal even more to celebrate after a big night in Las Vegas.
Official Result: Bo Nickal def. Val Woodburn by TKO (punches), Round 1, 0:38
