Box Office Crossover: UFC Undefeated Star Bo Nickal Sets Sights on WWE Title

As UFC Fight Night approaches, rising middleweight contender Bo Nickal has sparked excitement with his openness to a potential crossover into professional wrestling, expressing a strong interest in stepping into the WWE ring.

Nickal Eyes WWE After MMA Success

Ahead of his much-anticipated bout against Reinier de Ridder on May 3, Nickal spoke to Khel Now TV about his admiration for professional wrestling and the possibility of chasing championship gold in WWE.

“Yeah, absolutely, if it makes sense,” Nickal said. “I think that it would be a ton of fun and I’ve always been a fan of the sport since I was very young.”

The three-time NCAA Division I wrestling champion added that his dream is to find success across multiple disciplines.

“I think that a crossover would be awesome and I would love to be a champion in amateur wrestling, in MMA and in WWE,” he continued.

Decorated Background in Wrestling and MMA

Bo Nickal is a name that commands respect, and its meaning quite unmistakably is well deserved. Apart from NCAA championships, Nickal went on to become the gold medallist in freestyle wrestling's 92 kg category at the U23 World Championships in 2019 and the US National Championships.

Transitioning into MMA, Nickal currently boasts an impressive undefeated run of 7-0, with the last stop on his journey to victory in November 2024 at UFC 309, when he defeated Paul Craig by unanimous decision.

The Bo Nickal WWE Crossover Is a Growing Phenomenon

Nickal's comments have emerged amid the more relaxed relationship between the WWE and UFC under TKO Group Holdings. That synergy allows for the possibility of cross-promotion, as demonstrated by Ronda Rousey and Brock Lesnar, who successfully went from the UFC to the WWE.

As Nickal's fame rises in the octagon, it may not be too long before the fans can see him grappling in the squared circle.

Dana Firm on UFC stance

While WrestleMania 41 drew massive fanfare and showcased WWE’s continued ability to host successful stadium spectacles, Dana White is not sold. Speaking at the post-fight press conference after UFC Kansas City, the UFC boss explained why stadiums don’t appeal to him for MMA events.

“No, okay? No. Nothing will change my mind about a stadium show. I mean, you guys were here tonight. Kansas City is an awesome city. The people here are great. I really like this town. And, the energy in that place was awesome all night. That’s the energy you get in an [arena],” White said.