Kyle Daukaus knows exactly where most of the attention is headed ahead of UFC White House. Bo Nickal’s name carries a lot of weight, especially in Pennsylvania, but Daukaus isn’t showing up to play a supporting role in someone else’s story.
This fight is a chance to prove he belongs in the conversation with the UFC’s ranked middleweights. He’s already put together some impressive performances inside the Octagon, and he believes a win over Nickal on one of the biggest stages in the sport would be impossible to ignore.
“Definitely didn’t expect to be on the card. I said before I didn’t really think I deserve to be on the card just base off the caliber of fighters that are on it,” Daukaus told reporters including Cageside Press on Wednesday.
“If you take a look at it, kind of take a step back, and look from the outside, my story and stuff like that, I think it all comes together. Me being on this card, kind of shining on this card, you couldn’t have written it any better to have a story like this.”
Daukaus (17-4) knows that trying to predict how the UFC rewards momentum can be a frustrating ordeal, especially after putting together an impressive run inside the Octagon.
A statement victory over a high profile opponent like Nickal would make it impossible for the promotion to ignore and could finally earn him a place among the ranked middleweights.
“Unpredictable with the UFC as far as where you projected and whatnot after good wins. After two finishes in the UFC, obviously, you would think that there would be a potential number next to your name, but I think a fight like this against Bo would kind of do that as well,” he said.
“A good performance against him, a good finish on him, would definitely put me with number next to my name.”
Daukaus sees the unique dynamic of competing against one of Penn State wrestling’s most recognizable names, understanding that Nickal’s accomplishments competing for Penn State have earned him a loyal following throughout Pennsylvania.
Still, the middleweight contender made it clear that fan allegiances won’t influence his mindset, as his focus remains squarely on delivering the performance he believes will earn him the biggest win of his career.
“The wrestling community at Penn State is huge. They have a huge like backing, a very good support which is good to see. I know the die hards wrestling fans are always on his side, which is fine,” he said.
“Doesn’t really matter to me. I’m just going to go out there to perform. I feel like whoever wins they’re going to support no matter what, but I’m getting my hand raised Sunday night.”
Watch the entire media day scrum with Kyle Daukaus above. He faces Bo Nickal at UFC White House on Sunday night.
