As a standout NCAA wrestling champion, Bo Nickal was on track to compete for a spot on the U.S. Olympic team.
But rather than wait for that opportunity, he decided to test himself in BJJ – against none other than Gordon Ryan.
He described how the match came to be:
I had talked to Gordon a few times about training together because I was, like, this guy’s the best in the world.
For me, that’s the type of people I want to surround myself with and want to learn from.
So, knowing I was going to transition over to MMA, I was like – that’s a guy I would like to train with.He was competing at an event and he had a big fight and then it fell out and then another guy came in and it fell out.
It was like two or three guys had pulled out of the fight for whatever reason I just DM’d him like: “Hey bro, I don’t know what the issue is why nobody will go against you but count me in, I’ll do it. Tell the promoter to hit me up.”
When Gordon accepted, Nickal got to training BJJ.
Well, somewhat at least:
I was, like, well I better start practicing Jiu-Jitsu.
So I did three Jiu-Jitsu practices.I had never even done any MMA training, just wrestling.
I knew some guys in Pittsburgh that had a [BJJ] gym, pretty high level, some pretty high level guys.
So I was like hey, try to show me some stuff and we’ll get after it.
Sloth Jiu-Jitsu: The Ultimate Guide for Calmly Beating Bigger, Younger Opponents
💥 What if slowing down was the fastest way to win?
💭 Tired of Getting Smashed by Younger, Stronger Grapplers?
It’s not your age. It’s your strategy.
If you’re a passionate grappler over 35 who’s sick of getting outpaced, outmuscled, or out-cardio’d by opponents half your age — this 120 page e-book was made for you.
🔓 Unlock the Power of Sloth Jiu-Jitsu:
Build Sustainable Strength—Without Wrecking Your Joints, Energy, or Jiu-Jitsu
Tired of waking up sore and burnt out after lifting? Sloth Strength is a proven blueprint for grapplers over 35 who want to get stronger—without the pain, burnout, or injuries.
Developed from 25 years on the mats, this no-burnout approach is made specifically for BJJ athletes in their 30s, 40s, and beyond.
