The main card of UFC 300 commenced with a bout that’s proven to be somewhat controversial for its placing on the card. After the longest fight of his MMA career, Bo Nickal took Cody Brundage out in Round 2.
Bo Nickal vs. Cody Brundage Fight Preview
Bo Nickal has spent just two fights in the UFC but translated his hype from college wrestling to MMA. The three-time D1 national champion has used that wrestling base to find success in the sport so far, while also showcasing the power in his hands. Nickal sits with a 5-0 record in MMA, having never left the first round of any fight he’s been in. With just three strikes absorbed and two finishes in the UFC, Nickal’s hype has only grown amongst fans. The UFC sees Nickal as a future star, booking him to start the main card on three of the biggest PPVs in recent memory. Nickal’s first three UFC fights will have come at UFC 285, UFC 290, and UFC 300, solidifying how the UFC views him.
Cody Brundage sits on the other side of the pedestal. In eight UFC fights, Brundage has fought on just one PPV card, back in 2021 in his UFC debut. The Colorado native has found mixed success in those eight fights, sitting with a 4-4 record in the promotion. Brundage was at risk of being cut following a three-fight losing streak, before bouncing back with wins in his last two. This fight gives Brundage the chance to steal the hype from Nickal and build off his winning streak.
Many fans have badgered the UFC for putting this fight on the main card of such a marquee event. With tons of pressure on the fight, it needs to deliver to prove fans wrong that its placement was undeserved.
Fight Recap
Brundage came out looking for a big strike early, attacking with flying knees and spinning back fists. Nickal stayed calm and landed a big overhand that seemed to drop Brundage to his knees, before securing a takedown. Once the takedown was secured Nickal immediately fought to the back and looked to sink in a choke. Bo Nickal rode out back control for the entire round but failed to land much offense apart from some submission attempts.
Brundage came out hard again in Round 2 looking to take Nickal out on the feet, but was quickly taken down once again. He did defend a takedown very well but ultimately was mounted by Nickal while getting his face smothered. Nickal again looked for some front chokes from mount before Brundage gave up his back, allowing Nickal to pounce on the neck. From there Nickal took the neck and finished the fight with a rear-naked choke.
The win pushes Bo Nickal to 3-0 in the UFC. It was the longest fight of Nickal’s pro MMA career. He called out Anthony Hernandez and Roman Kopylov after the win.
UFC Fighters React to Bo Nickal Hype Train Rolling
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Featured Image Credit to Embed from Getty Images
