Bo Nickal earns UFC contract with 52-second submission win over Donovan Beard

LAS VEGAS — Put together yourselves for some Bo Nickal hype.

Nickal, a three-time NCAA Division I nationwide collegiate wrestling champion, starched one other opponent on Dana White’s Contender Sequence on Tuesday evening, submitting Donovan Beard with a triangle choke simply 52 seconds into their middleweight bout.

It was Nickal’s second win on the Contender Sequence in two months, and it earned him an unique contract to combat within the UFC lower than two years into his transition from beginner wrestling into MMA.

“I actually write notes to remind me [of the fights],” White stated after Nickal’s efficiency. “The one word on my paper is, ‘god rattling.’ I imply, for a child who has nearly no expertise, he took on a man who’s 6-foot-2, a 7-1 [record], 78-inch attain — the boldness this child needed to roll into the triangle the best way he did. …

“Me and numerous different persons are excited to see the longer term this child has. Welcome to the UFC.”

Nickal (3-0) is arguably the most well liked prospect in MMA, because of his wrestling pedigree and the early work he has executed below coach Mike Brown at American High Group. He completed Zack Borrego by way of rear-naked choke in simply 62 seconds in his first Contender Sequence look on Sept. 27.

“That is what we do, child. I used to be born for this and bred for this,” Nickal stated. “I prepare on daily basis in order that I could be the No. 1 pound-for-pound fighter on the earth. I am barely into my profession, however I am headed straight to the highest.”

Nickal dropped Beard (7-2) with an overhand left early within the combat and by no means seemed again. He instantly adopted Beard to the ground and moved into full mount. Beard did handle to show him over and get into high place, however Nickal seamlessly transitioned right into a triangle choke for the end.

“I anticipated to face with him for one punch, as a result of I knew I might drop him,” Nickal stated. “I have been engaged on that the entire camp. I do know I’ve obtained energy. No person can actually put up with me, regardless. Wrestling, boxing, jiu-jitsu — as you possibly can see, I will take you out wherever.”

After his win, Nickal known as out welterweight contender Khamzat Chimaev and YouTube star Logan Paul for his UFC debut. White indicated the promotion would construct Nickal like every other younger gifted fighter, somewhat than e book him in opposition to a high opponent.

“Let’s not get loopy right here,” White stated relating to Nickal’s callout of Chimaev, who’s the UFC’s No. 3-ranked welterweight and coming off a win over Kevin Holland at UFC 279.