MMA is a unique sport that blends various disciplines, including wrestling, boxing, Muay Thai, and jiu-jitsu. This makes it crucial for fighters to be well-rounded while mastering one key area. Wrestling stands out as a dominant skill for many fighters, but determining the best wrestling-focused MMA athletes is no easy feat. Recently, Bo Nickal shared his top three wrestlers in MMA. While he named Khabib Nurmagomedov and Islam Makhachev, his third pick caught everyone off guard, adding a surprising name to the list.
On X, Nickal was recently asked about his top three MMA wrestlers, and his answer surprised many. He named Khabib Nurmagomedov, Islam Makhachev, and Khamzat Chimaev. While Khabib and Islam were expected, Chimaev’s inclusion raised eyebrows, especially considering Nickal has been teasing a potential fight with him for a while. It’s rare for fighters to praise and include others they might face in the future, making this list even more interesting ahead of a potential showdown between Nickal and Chimaev.
Khabib, Khamzat, Islam. https://t.co/vAfOZ4ZEYR
— Bo Nickal (@NoBickal) February 18, 2025
There’s no doubt that when it comes to taking down opponents, few are as fast and tough as Khamzat Chimaev. His performance against Robert Whittaker gave fans a clear picture of his ability to handle even legendary fighters. So, it’s understandable why he’s in Nickal’s top 3. However, the surprise comes from the fact that Chimaev and Nickal are potentially on a collision course.
Bo Nickal Shares How He Sees His Fight Against Khamzat Chimaev
Nickal recently sat down with Chael Sonnen on his YouTube channel to discuss a potential matchup with Khamzat Chimaev. Nickal laid out his strategy for the fight, which centers on applying constant pressure, creating scrambles, and pushing Chimaev into the later rounds. He believes that the odds will shift in his favor as the fight progresses.
Nickal is confident in his wrestling, stating that no one at 86 kilos can beat him in that aspect. He acknowledged Chimaev’s skill but pointed out that his biggest weakness would be stamina, especially against someone with his style.
It’ll be interesting to see if Nickal vs. Chimaev happens this year or if it takes more time to set up. Regardless of when it happens, this fight has all the potential to be a thrilling matchup. Fans are eager to see it, and it’s definitely one to watch whenever it goes down.
Click on ‘Follow Us’ and get notified of the most viral MMA stories via Google! Follow Us
Also Read: Bo Nickal Urges UFC To Adopt Polish MMA Rules After Fighter Misses Weight
