Bo Nickal knocks out Kyle Daukaus at UFC Freedom 250

Bo Nickal put his wrestling on display before scoring a first-round knockout of Kyle Daukaus at UFC Freedom 250 on Sunday night at the White House.

The three-time NCAA Division I national champion controlled Daukaus on the mat early, landing ground strikes from top position before referee Jason Herzog stood the fighters, per MMA Fighting. Once back on the feet, Nickal connected with a left hand and followed with a right hook that dropped the Philadelphia native. He finished with ground strikes to improve to 9-1.

Nickal rebounds with second straight knockout

Nickal is now riding consecutive knockout wins after suffering the first loss of his professional career to Reinier de Ridder in 2025, as MMA Mania reports. His previous victory came via head kick knockout of Rodolfo Vieira at UFC 322. The 30-year-old had pushed to get on the historic White House card and delivered a finish to keep his momentum building in the middleweight division.

Daukaus saw his six-fight winning streak snapped in his first loss since returning to the promotion last year. He drops to 17-5.

Nickal had teased calling for a title shot with a win but did not make that move after the fight. With back-to-back knockouts, he figures to face a ranked opponent next as he continues his climb at 185 pounds.

Reported via:

• MMA Fighting — UFC Freedom 250: Live updates and highlights
• MMA Mania — Highlights! Bo Nickal shows off elite wrestling, still knocks out Kyle Daukaus at UFC Freedom 250