UFC Star Bo Nickal Signs With Hulk Hogan’s New Wrestling Promotion originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
The combat sports landscape is evolving, with MMA fighters increasingly venturing into other disciplines—from boxing to bare-knuckle fighting—in pursuit of new challenges and bigger paydays. Francis Ngannou’s near-upset of Tyson Fury in 2023 reignited interest in MMA-boxing crossovers, while Conor McGregor’s 2017 bout with Floyd Mayweather set the blueprint for lucrative hybrid fights. Even retired UFC stars like Nate Diaz and Anderson Silva have tested their skills in the boxing ring, capitalizing on their name recognition for career-defining payouts.
Now, the sport of freestyle wrestling is a new option, with former pro wrestler Hulk Hogan’s Real American Freestyle (RAF) becoming the latest destination for elite athletes seeking fresh opportunities.
Penn State wrestling legend and currently active UFC middleweight Bo Nickal is the latest to make the leap, signing with RAF. The three-time NCAA champion, who made his way to the UFC by winning a contract on Dana White’s Contender Series, returns to his roots in a competitive freestyle wrestling environment and will make his debut at RAF’s inaugural event on August 30 in Cleveland, Ohio.
Hogan, the commissioner of RAF, praised Nickal, saying, “Bo Nickal is a tremendous athlete and one of the most accomplished wrestlers on the planet. 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.”
Signed and ready for #RAF01
A 3x National Champion Bo Nickal is ready to stake his claim as the best wrestler in the world on the biggest stage the sport has ever seen
Tickets for #RealAmericanFreestyle available now https://t.co/zE2JLgfpaQpic.twitter.com/ySSWYNiQyY
— Real American Freestyle (@RAFWrestlingUSA) July 2, 2025
The event will also feature high-profile matchups like former Stanford and University of Iowa standout Real Woods facing NCAA D1 Champion and Bellator MMA veteran Darrion Caldwell.
Partnering with UFC, USA Wrestling, and NCAA, RAF allows athletes to compete professionally without jeopardizing amateur eligibility or violating their UFC contracts, a key selling point for Nickal and others.
For Nickal, who suffered his first MMA loss to Reinier de Ridder in May, this move offers a chance to showcase his wrestling prowess while keeping options open for a UFC return.
His recent signing indicates a growing trend of MMA fighters diversifying their careers, whether for financial gain, legacy-building, or simply staying active. While boxing remains the most lucrative crossover path, RAF is providing a unique platform for wrestlers to monetize their skills after their collegiate careers, beyond MMA or Pro Wrestling.
Related: Former UFC Champion Blasts Bo Nickal’s ‘Pathetic’ Performance, ‘This kid is not a fighter’
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 2, 2025, where it first appeared.
