Luke Rockhold criticized Bo Nickal for his lack of MMA accomplishments compared to seasoned fighters like himself and Colby Covington, despite Nickal’s impressive wrestling background.
Luke Rockhold knows what it takes to be a UFC champ. He’s waiting for Bo Nickal to catch up.
At a press event for RAF 5 in Sunrise, Fla., Rockhold and Colby Covington took shots at UFC prospect Bo Nickal. Nickal, chatting from the crowd, got roasted as Covington labeled him a “bozo” and Rockhold called him a “college bum.”
Later, Rockhold kept the heat on during a chat with MMA Fighting’s Mike Heck. “Bo, we’ve had our back-and-forths,” Rockhold said. “He’s a condescending kid who hasn’t achieved anything on a world level.”
Rockhold continued, “He hasn’t beaten anybody. You’re talking to guys who’ve held gold. He thinks he should be in the main event in the most soggy way.”
In terms of MMA, Rockhold has a point. He beat Chris Weidman at UFC 194 and has wins over Lyoto Machida and Michael Bisping. Nickal, on the other hand, is a wrestling phenom with three NCAA titles from Penn State.
Nickal transitioned to MMA in 2021, winning his first nine fights. But he hit a wall against Reinier de Ridder at UFC Des Moines, losing in the second round. Yet, he bounced back with a head kick KO against Rodolfo Vieira.
Despite Nickal’s flashes of brilliance, Rockhold believes he has more to prove before standing with the likes of him and Covington. “Earn a spot in the top 10,” Rockhold said, “before you start talking like you deserve anything.”
Rockhold is set to face Covington in the RAF 5 main event. Meanwhile, Nickal will take on former UFC star and wrestling legend Yoel Romero.