Following UFC 319 last weekend, the MMA community is buzzing about the possibility of a Khamzat Chimaev Bo Nickal matchup, wondering who might be able to challenge the undefeated middleweight champion. Chimaev successfully defended his title against Dricus du Plessis, who many expected to test Chimaev’s stamina, but the South African was outwrestled throughout five rounds, culminating in Chimaev winning by unanimous decision with scores of 50-44 across the board.
With a 15-0 record, Chimaev remains a dominant force in the middleweight division, yet several contenders are positioning themselves as the next challengers. Among these, Bo Nickal stands out as a top wrestler drawing attention in discussions about future stylistic matchups.
Chael Sonnen Endorses Bo Nickal as a Potential Opponent for Chimaev
On the podcast Good Good Guy / Bad Guy, former UFC title challenger Chael Sonnen weighed in on who could potentially defeat Chimaev. While mentioning other contenders such as Caio Borralho and Nassourdine Imavov, Sonnen expressed particular interest in the idea of a fight between Chimaev and Bo Nickal.
I love the idea of Caio [Borralho] getting that opportunity,
Sonnen said.
He continued by acknowledging Imavov’s growing reputation, saying,
“I don’t want to continue down my usual road of dismissing Imavov. When Imavov got over on Izzy, he got a brand new look from me.”
However, Sonnen made clear which challenger intrigued him most:
But if you made me just throw one name at you, I mean, listen, not for nothing, I really want to see him go with Bo Nickal,
he stated.
He also noted the current status of the matchup:
I understand that. We are not there,
Sonnen added in reference to the possibility of Nickal fighting Chimaev.
Bo Nickal, with a 7-1 MMA record, is a former three-time NCAA Division I champion in collegiate wrestling. His only defeat came via TKO against top contender Reinier de Ridder at UFC Des Moines.
Other Contenders and Title Threats Highlighted by Sonnen
The middleweight division remains active, with a potential title eliminator set between Nassourdine Imavov and Caio Borralho at UFC Paris on September 6. Chimaev has expressed his desire to return to the Octagon soon, which could open opportunities for other fighters to advance toward the title.
Chael Sonnen offered a tempered view of some challengers, stating:
I’m not dismissive to [Anthony] ‘Fluffy’ Hernandez,
He also pointed to who he believes poses the greatest risk to Chimaev’s reign:
But the one that could offer the biggest threat from what we’ve seen in the past, and that’s going to be de Ridder,
Sonnen said.
Reinier de Ridder is a 34-year-old former two-division champion in ONE Championship, who recently secured a five-round decision victory against ex-champion Robert Whittaker in July. Known especially for his grappling prowess, de Ridder’s ground game demands respect from opponents.
Sonnen noted Chimaev’s strategic approach to ground fighting, recalling his caution against Gilbert Burns, recognizing Burns’ skills on the mat. He equated that cautious respect with the level de Ridder brings to his matches due to his jiu-jitsu skills, particularly from the bottom position.
So, I like RDR right now,
Sonnen concluded.
Implications for the Future of Middleweight Title Contention
The possibility of a Khamzat Chimaev Bo Nickal matchup excites fans and experts alike because it contrasts Chimaev’s wrestling and grappling-heavy style with Nickal’s celebrated wrestling background. Such a fight could offer a fresh dynamic in the UFC middleweight division, stirring intense interest across the MMA world.
Meanwhile, title eliminators like Imavov vs. Borralho may reshape the division’s ranking order, impacting who earns the next chance at Chimaev’s belt once he returns. Reinier de Ridder also stands as a notable contender capable of testing the champion’s limits.
With Chimaev motivated to defend his title soon, these matchups and rivalries are poised to define the middleweight division’s competitive landscape for the near future.