Update, April 22:

Bo Nickal announced on his Instagram story that the fight announced by Jacob Malkoun was never discussed between Nickal and the UFC.

“I will not be fighting June 1,” Nickal shared online Monday. “This fight was never discussed between the UFC and myself. I am looking to step UP in competition and move forward. Y’all will hopefully see me back towards the end of the summer. God bless.”

Malkoun, meanwhile, posted the seemingly fake fight announcement graphic to Instagram with an “X” through it and stated Nickal “pulled out.”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Jacob Malkoun (@jacobmalkoun)

“The fights off! He pulled out,” Malkoun wrote.

Nickal alluded to action at the end of the summer despite not accepting a bid against Malkoun in June.

Original Story:

After boosting his undefeated streak to 6-0, former Penn State wrestler and Hodge Trophy winner Bo Nickal already booked another fight.

Nickal will face Jacob Malkoun in a middleweight bout on Saturday, June 1, Malkoun announced on Instagram Saturday.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Jacob Malkoun (@jacobmalkoun)

“Respect to [Nickal] and his team for accepting the fight, going to be a good test but I’m ready,” Malkoun said on Instagram.

Nickal is fresh off a victory by submission over Cody Brundage on April 13. The Nittany Lion reached -3000 odds to emerge victorious, though Brundage is the first opponent to take Nickal to the second round of a bout.

Bo Nickal.

Undefeated. pic.twitter.com/2PREGOvz6I

— Onward State (@OnwardState) April 14, 2024

The booking with Malkoun was a fast turnaround for Nickal as his previous two fights occurred nine months apart. Malkoun is 8-3-0 in UFC outings and lost to Brundage in September 2023.

Following his triumph over Brundage, Nickal welcomed all challengers in regard to inquiries about his next fight as long as they are a “better guy.”

About the Author