Bo Nickal To Take On Jacob Cardenas In First Match Of Real American Freestyle
Bo Nickal’s first opponent in Real American Freestyle has been announced.
After announcing earlier in July about joining the newly created wrestling league, Nickal will take on two-time All-American Jacob Cardenas in his first match of Real American Freestyle on August 30 at Wolstein Center in Cleveland.
ANOTHER MATCH SET FOR CLEVELAND
— Real American Freestyle (@RAFWrestlingUSA) July 10, 2025@NoBickal makes his return to the sport against a three-time All-American @jacobcardenas__
One legendary night crowning 10 new champions you don’t want to miss #RAF01Tickets on sale now https://t.co/zE2JLgeRli pic.twitter.com/lvlvwQcV7k
After winning three national championships with Penn State, the former Penn State wrestler trained out of State College for Dana White’s Contender Series and then the UFC. In his UFC career, he holds a record of 7-1, with his only loss coming against Reinier de Ridder by way of technical knockout in UFC 256. This will be Nickal’s first match since that loss.
Nickal’s opponent, Cardenas, is a two-time All-American who competed at Cornell University for four seasons before transferring to Michigan in his final year of eligibility, where he earned his third NCAA All-American honor last season.
The first event of Real American Freestyle will take place on August 30 at Wolstein Center in Cleveland, Ohio. Tickets are available for purchase right now.
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