In the world of MMA, high expectations often come with intense scrutiny, and Bo Nickal is no exception. The hype surrounding Nickal, fueled by his NCAA wrestling accolades and the media attention he received, made him a fan favorite, even earning the approval of figures like Donald Trump. However, when his promised dominance didn’t materialize inside the UFC, the backlash began. Dricus Du Plessis, UFC champion, has now spoken out, criticizing Nickal’s reliance on wrestling and his dismissive attitude toward fighters who’ve achieved more in the sport.
Du Plessis recently slams Nickal’s reliance on wrestling, claiming that his hype comes mostly from his NCAA credentials—skills DDP believes don’t translate well to MMA. He said Nickal’s trouble controlling opponents in the UFC especially when his takedowns don’t work it shows that college wrestling doesn’t always work in MMA.
UFC Champ also adds American fighter’s previous dismissive attitude towards fighters who’ve done more in the sport, claiming that Nickal learned a tough lesson in humility. Du Plessis found satisfaction in watching Nickal’s mental breakdown, reinforcing the idea that respecting seasoned fighters is essential in MMA.
“I have no problem with Bo Nickal’s hype, but I do have a problem with how he was talking about people who have done what he has never done. This is not wrestling, my good man, and he found out the hard way. The only thing that saves him in every fight is his wrestling, and now that one thing is not working for him — his takedowns are getting stuffed,” he said.
Dricus Du Plessis on Bo Nickal: "This Isn’t Wrestling, My Good Man — He Found Out the Hard Way… It Was Satisfying to Watch
— Red Corner MMA (@RedCorner_MMA) May 7, 2025
"I have no problem with Bo Nickal's hype, but I do have a problem with how he was talking about people who have done what he has never done.
This is not… pic.twitter.com/MfJqux7h4Y
UFC Legend Defends Bo Nickal After Tough Loss
Matt Brown defended Bo Nickal on The Fighter vs. The Writer, suggesting that Nickal was simply outmatched against a highly experienced opponent. According to Brown, this kind of situation highlights the risk of fast-tracking promising but inexperienced fighters like Nickal into high-level UFC bouts too early in their careers.
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Indeed, not everyone is viewing Bo Nickal’s situation the same way. While Dricus Du Plessis felt the need to humble him, possibly due to the hype and perceived arrogance, Matt Brown offered a more simpler take. It’s a clash of perspectives: one sees a needed reality check, the other sees a developmental misstep.
Also Read: Bo Nickal Says He Was Naive And Unprepared As Reinier De Ridder Exposed His Weaknesses In First Loss
