Surprise! UFC’s Bo Nickal signs with Hulk Hogan, debuts for Real American Freestyle on Aug. 30

 

UFC middleweight Bo Nickal is going back to his wrestling roots.

The three-time NCAA Division I national champion out of Penn State recently signed with Real American Freestyle (RAF), the unscripted freestyle wrestling promotion led by WWE Hall of Famer Hulk Hogan and former WCW Executive Producer Eric Bischoff.

“Bo Nickal is a tremendous athlete and one of the most accomplished wrestlers on the planet,” said Hogan, who serves as RAF commissioner. “Nickal immediately elevates the RAF roster to new heights with his competitiveness and experience. When fans attend an RAF event they know they’re going to see the best of the best on the mat.”

Nickal (7-1) suffered his first MMA loss when he was stopped by Reinier De Ridder at UFC Des Moines last May in Iowa. A date for his Octagon return has yet to be determined; however, the 2019 Big Ten Athlete of the Year is already booked for his RAF debut.

The 29 year-old Nickal will compete on Sat., Aug. 30, 2025 against an opponent to be named inside Wolstein Center at CSU in Cleveland, Ohio. Confirmed matchups include Real Woods vs. Darrion Caldwell and Aaron Brooks vs. Hayden Zillmer, among others.

In partnership with UFC, USA Wrestling, NIL organizations, and NCAA, RAF athletes can participate regardless of their professional and amateur status. Tickets for the inaugural RAF event are currently on sale at Ticketmaster starting at just under $40.