Bo Nickal – a rising star in the UFC and a wrestling legend from Penn State – has made waves with his comments about how elite wrestlers from the American collegiate system would fare against fighters…
Such as the UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev.

Nickal recently shared his thoughts on social media regarding how Makhachev would perform in an American Division I wrestling environment.
He first complimented his skills:

Let’s consider a few things.

Islam would have to wrestle 174 (lbs) given the amount of weight he cuts.
He comes from the mountains of Dagestan, which historically produces some of the toughest people on the planet.

Islam’s MMA wrestling is the highest level, which already makes him a formidable opponent.
He’s got tons of competition experience, strength, endurance, and great technique, and a high IQ.

He’s taken down everyone put in front of him with relative ease.

However, Nickal concluded that Makhachev would not stand a chance against Carter Starocci – a four-time NCAA Division I champion and fellow Penn State wrestler:

With that being said, Carter Starocci wins by pin 1st period.

Let’s consider a few things. Islam would have to wrestle 174 given the amount of weight he cuts. He comes from the mountains of Dagestan which historically produces some of the toughest people on the planet. Islam’s mma wrestling is the highest level, which already makes him a… https://t.co/vQBGMlEIup

— Bo Nickal (@NoBickal) August 21, 2024

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