Shara Magomedov continued his rise in the UFC with a devastating third-round knockout of Antonio Trocoli at UFC Saudi Arabia on June 22, 2024. The fight, held at Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, earned Magomedov a Performance of the Night bonus for his impressive finish. However, the post-fight buzz quickly shifted when Bo Nickal, the three-time NCAA Division I national champion and undefeated UFC prospect, took to Twitter to call out Magomedov.
“Give me bullet,” Nickal tweeted, referring to Magomedov by his nickname, “Bullet.”
Magomedov’s victory was marred by a controversial fence grab, but his knockout power was undeniable. The Russian fighter’s record in the UFC now stands at 2-0, showcasing his striking abilities despite some evident weaknesses in his takedown defense. This aspect of his game caught the attention of Nickal, whose wrestling pedigree makes him a formidable opponent for anyone lacking in grappling skills.
Nickal, also undefeated with a 6-0 record, last competed at the landmark UFC 300 event where he secured a second-round submission victory over Cody Brundage. His perfect UFC record and dominant wrestling background position him as a serious threat to Magomedov.
Interestingly, just four minutes after his initial call-out, Nickal backtracked with a joke, suggesting he actually meant Valentina “Bullet” Shevchenko, the former UFC Women’s Flyweight Champion. This playful diversion didn’t detract from the seriousness of his challenge but added a humorous twist to the intense call-out.
For Nickal, facing Magomedov presents a strategic opportunity. Magomedov’s vulnerability to takedowns could play right into Nickal’s strengths, potentially allowing the American to control the fight on the ground. However, if Nickal chooses to stand and strike with Magomedov, the fight could unfold very differently. Magomedov’s striking prowess, particularly his knockout ability, could pose a significant threat to Nickal if the fight stays on the feet.
The call-out has generated significant interest among fans and analysts, with many speculating about the potential clash of styles. Nickal’s superior wrestling versus Magomedov’s striking sets up a classic grappler versus striker matchup, promising an intriguing contest where one fighter’s undefeated record will inevitably be broken.
UFC President Dana White has yet to comment on the potential matchup, but the call-out has undoubtedly put Magomedov on notice and sparked discussions about what could be a high-stakes fight in the near future.
As the UFC continues to build its roster with elite talent from around the world, matchups like Nickal vs. Magomedov highlight the diverse skill sets and dramatic showdowns that keep fans eagerly anticipating each new event. Whether or not this fight materializes, Nickal’s bold challenge has certainly added an exciting narrative to the UFC Middleweight division.
