Bo Nickal is aware of one thing no person else is aware of in regards to the upcoming UFC 314 pay-per-view.
The multi-time NCAA champion wrestler turned high prospect revealed on his podcast that UFC featherweight champion Ilia Topuria is predicted to defend his title in opposition to Alexander Volkanovski in one of many marquee fights headed to the cardboard on April 12 with all indicators pointing in direction of Miami because the vacation spot. Whereas he didn’t reveal his sources, Nickal shares the identical administration firm as Topuria and he hopes to hitch him on that card for his first combat in 2025.
“It’s official,” Nickal stated about Topuria vs. Volkanovski 2 on his YouTube channel. “I do know for a reality. I don’t know that it was introduced for a reality, however I do know it’s taking place for a reality. I’m asserting it.
“I’d combat on that card. That’s the cardboard I’m attempting to combat on. April, Miami.”
UFC officers haven’t introduced the principle occasion for the cardboard however a number of bouts have already been confirmed for that date together with a showdown between two-time gentle heavyweight title contender Dominick Reyes and Nikita Krylov.
Nickal final fought at UFC 309 this previous November the place he earned a unanimous determination win over Paul Craig in a bout that earned him plenty of criticism for failing to dazzle after spending nearly all of the 15-minute affair on the toes. With a background in wrestling, Nickal had largely dominated his competitors so far by grappling however he turned to his placing to finest Craig.
He didn’t point out any potential opponents however Nickal desires to combat on that card, which is at the moment anticipated to happen near his dwelling fitness center the place he trains at American High Staff in Florida.
As for the Topuria rematch in opposition to Volkanovski, Nickal admits he’s not all that enthusiastic in regards to the combat contemplating how issues performed out the primary time round.
Topuria scored a vicious second-round knockout on Volkanovski to say the UFC featherweight title earlier than defending the belt with a win over Max Holloway this previous October. Regardless of the setback, Volkanovski was promised a right away rematch with Topuria and now it feels like that’s near a actuality for him with UFC 314 simply across the nook.
In a really perfect world, Nickal admits he wish to see Topuria get the prospect to go as much as 155 kilos to problem Islam Makhachev for his title, however it doesn’t sound like that’s taking place any time quickly.
“Ilia and Islam could be sick,” Nickal stated. “I don’t learn about Ilia and Volk rematch. I imply I get it. Volk needed to rematch [Max] Holloway a bunch of occasions. He knocked [Volkanovski] out clear. Unhealthy. I really like Volk, he’s nice. I don’t see a path to victory for him actually.”
