This weekend’s UFC 300 main card opener features a middleweight bout between Bo Nickal and Cody Brundage. This fight has caused much discussion in the MMA community, regarding Bo Nickal’s star power at this stage of his career landing him a spot on one of the biggest cards in the company’s history.
Bo Nickal Submits Cody Brundage at UFC 300
Bo Nickal, a rising star in the middleweight division, steps into the Octagon with an unblemished record of 5-0-0. Known for his dominant wrestling background and quick adaptation to MMA, Nickal has shown a robust fighting skill set that includes both striking and grappling. None of his fights have gone past the first round, and at UFC 285, he showcased this once again by securing a victory via submission against Jamie Pickett. His aggressive style and finishing ability have made him a fighter to watch, as he continues to develop his skills in the sport. He faces his toughest test to date tonight against the experienced Cody Brundage.
Cody Brundage
On the other side, Cody Brundage comes into the fight with a record of 10-5-0. Having demonstrated his power and resilience, Brundage is not a fighter to be underestimated. His recent victory over Zachary Reese by KO/TKO at a UFC Fight Night event in December 2023 has set him up as a tough competitor for Bo Nickal. Brundage’s approach to the fight is filled with confidence as he aims to test Nickal’s readiness for the upper echelons of the UFC Middleweight divison.
Fight Analysis
The matchup between Nickal and Brundage at UFC 300 represents a classic clash of a rising star versus a seasoned competitor. Nickal’s superior wrestling, striking accuracy and finishing ability might give him the initial advantage. However, Brundage’s experience and recent performances suggest he could present significant challenges, especially if he can extend the fight and test Nickal’s endurance and adaptability in deeper waters. As Nickal hasn’t been out of the first round in his MMA career, the fight would favour Brundage if he manages to make it out of the first round.
Bo Nickal opens up as one of the largest betting favourites in MMA history, currently sitting at around a -2500 favourite. It will be interesting to see if Nickal can maintain his perfect record or if Brundage will disrupt the hype train, steal the star power of Nickal and position himself as a contender in the division.
What Happened
in the opening seconds of round 1 Bo dropped Brundage but Brundage ate it and got up. Bo then proceeded to utilise his wrestling to drag Brundage from the fence to the mat taking his back. Despite taking Brundages back Bo was unable to fo secure a rear-naked choke attempt and opted to mount landing ground and pound. Brundage survived th round. Round 2 also saw Bo utilise his wrestling credentials going for a sloppy single leg and thrown off Brundage. Bo then went for a double leg which he secured taking the back and landing some ground and pound. He then transitioned to the top and landed more ground and pound before Brundage gave his back. Bo then sank in a rear-naked choke securing a 2nd round submission.
