Bo Nickal, a rising star in the mixed martial arts world, has expressed a keen interest in a rematch with his former teammate, David Taylor. The two last faced off during the 2020 Olympic Trials Finals, where Taylor emerged victorious in a best-of-three series, defeating Nickal 4-0 and 6-0. Nickal, who boasts a 7-1 record in his MMA career and a 4-1 standing in the UFC, recently signed with Real American Freestyle, marking a return to his wrestling roots. He is set to feature on the inaugural card on August 30th in Cleveland.
The announcement comes as Nickal continues to diversify his combat sports career, akin to fighters who compete in both MMA and jiu-jitsu. Despite his recent transition back to wrestling, Nickal has not shied away from expressing his desire to face Taylor once more. Taylor, an Olympic Gold Medalist, has recently retired from competitive wrestling and is now in his first year as head coach at Oklahoma State.
Nickal’s Challenge to Taylor
In a recent interview with sports journalist Ariel Helwani, Nickal was candid about his aspirations. When asked if Taylor would be his first opponent in his wrestling return, Nickal replied, “He doesn’t want that. I doubt it. I’m ready to go.” Helwani pressed further, questioning why Taylor might be reluctant to face Nickal again, especially given his previous victories over him.
“He does, he has two (wins over me),” Nickal acknowledged. “I don’t think he’s training hard. He’s focused on what he’s focused on and he’s doing a great job at Oklahoma State. But I’m down.”
Nickal’s confidence is rooted in a stellar collegiate wrestling career at Penn State, where he compiled a 120-3 record, won three NCAA titles, and was a four-time All-American. His career concluded on a remarkable 67-match winning streak. Despite his recent loss in MMA to Reinier de Ridder, Nickal remains undeterred in his pursuit of excellence across combat sports.
David Taylor’s Storied Career
David Taylor, known for his prowess on the mat, won a gold medal at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021 at 86 KG. His accolades include being a three-time World Champion and securing a Silver Medal at the 2021 World Championships. During his time at Penn State, Taylor was a two-time NCAA champion and a four-time finalist, with losses in the finals to Bubba Jenkins and Kyle Dake.
Ironically, Jenkins transferred to Arizona State from Penn State when Cael Sanderson took over as head coach in 2010. Taylor’s recent attempt to qualify for the 2024 Paris Games ended in disappointment as he was outlasted by Aaron Brooks at the Olympic Trials. Brooks, who recently clinched his fourth NCAA title for Penn State, went on to win a Bronze Medal in Paris.
The Future of Wrestling and MMA
The potential rematch between Nickal and Taylor would undoubtedly draw significant attention, given their history and accomplishments. While Taylor has transitioned to coaching, Nickal’s dual focus on MMA and wrestling could set a precedent for future athletes looking to excel in multiple disciplines.
As Nickal prepares for his upcoming debut with Real American Freestyle, the wrestling community eagerly anticipates the possibility of a showdown with Taylor. Such a match would not only be a testament to their individual legacies but also highlight the dynamic nature of combat sports today.
With both athletes having left indelible marks on the sport, a rematch could serve as a fitting chapter in their storied careers. Whether or not Taylor accepts the challenge, Nickal’s determination to compete at the highest level remains unwavering.
