UFC middleweight prospect Bo Nickal seems to have let a major cat out of the bag.
In a video on his YouTube channel, the multi-time NCAA champion stated that UFC featherweight champion Ilia Topuria will be defending his title against Alexander Volkanovski in a rematch of the former’s title-winning performance in February 2024. The fight is reportedly set for April in the UFC 314 main event.
When reminded by his co-host that the news hadn’t been announced, Nickal said, “No, it’s official. I know that for a fact. I don’t know that it was announced for a fact, but I know it’s happening. I’m announcing it.”
I wouldn’t be surprised if he hears from UFC President Dana White or Hunter Campbell after this episode.
In any case, if Nickal is accurate, UFC 314 is looking really strong. The card is already expected to feature Gilbert Burns taking on big-time prospect Michael Morales, Yan Xiaonan clashing with Virna Jandiroba, and Dominick Reyes fighting Nikita Krylov.
If these fights stick, UFC 314 would have eight ranked fighters in action on the show’s main card, and we don’t yet appear to have a co-main event in place. The UFC could opt to bring Merab Dvalishvili back to defend his title in a rematch with Sean O’Malley.
Alternatively, O’Malley could face Cory Sandhagen, with the winner potentially earning the next title shot. O’Malley vs. Petr Yan 2 is another intriguing possibility for the co-main event.
If you’re looking for a fifth fight on the UFC 314 main card, Nickal also said, “I might fight on that card. That’s the card I’m trying to fight on; April in Miami.”
Nickal is seemingly in line to face a ranked fighter in his next outing. Nickal vs. No. 15 Michel Pereira or No. 13 Jack Hermansson makes sense. If the UFC wants to push Nickal even higher in his eighth professional fight, they could potentially consider No. 11 Paulo Costa.
The build for Nickal-Costa would be wildly entertaining.
What’s Next For the UFC?
Next up for the UFC is the trip to Saudi Arabia. The card has taken some hits in the past 48 hours, but the main event and co-main event are still set to go.
In the co-main event, Shara Magomedov faces his toughest test when he takes on Michael “Venom” Page. In the main event, Israel Adesanya faces Nassourdine Imavov.
Updated UFC Saudi Arabia Fight Card:
- Israel Adesanya vs. Nassourdine Imavov – Middleweight (185 lbs)
- Sharabutdin Magomedov vs. Michael Page – Middleweight (185 lbs)
- Sergei Pavlovich vs. Jairzinho Rozenstruik – Heavyweight (265 lbs)
- Said Nurmagomedov vs. Vinicius Oliveira – Bantamweight (135 lbs)
- Ikram Aliskerov vs. André Muniz – Middleweight (185 lbs) – CANCELED
- Muhammad Naimov vs. Kaan Ofli – Featherweight (145 lbs)
- Shamil Gaziev vs. Thomas Petersen – Heavyweight (265 lbs)
- Terrance McKinney vs. Damir Hadžović – Lightweight (155 lbs)
- Fares Ziam vs. Mike Davis – Lightweight (155 lbs)
- Jasmine Jasudavicius vs. Mayra Bueno Silva – Flyweight (125 lbs)
- Bogdan Grad vs. Lucas Alexander – Featherweight (145 lbs)
- Hamdy Abdelwahab vs. Jamal Pogues – Heavyweight (265 lbs)
- Abdul-Kareem Al-Selwady vs. Bolaji Oki – Lightweight (155 lbs) – CANCELED
Stay tuned for fight week coverage leading up to the event.
