Bo Nickal books Aug. 2026 RAF return vs. NCAA champ McEnelly

Bo Nickal is jumping back on the wrestling mat less than two months after his knockout win at UFC Freedom 250. The UFC middleweight prospect will face 2026 NCAA champion Max McEnelly in a heavyweight/" class="internal-link text-bone underline decoration-ash/30 hover:decoration-gold underline-offset-2">light heavyweight bout at Real American Freestyle 12 on Aug. 22 in Cleveland, MMA Mania reports.

Nickal dropped Kyle Daukaus in the first round at UFC Freedom 250 earlier this month and has wasted no time lining up his next wrestling assignment. The three-time NCAA Division I champion last competed for RAF at the promotion's inaugural show in 2025, when he defeated Jacob Cardenas. Planned matchups against Yoel Romero fell through twice, first when Nickal withdrew in late 2025 and again in January 2026 after Romero missed weight.

McEnelly brings gold medal pedigree to RAF debut

McEnelly, a University of Minnesota standout, won the 2026 NCAA individual title at 184 pounds with a 4-3 decision over top seed Rocco Welsh. As a redshirt sophomore, he earned Big Ten Freshman of the Year honors in 2025 and placed third at the NCAA tournament. The Waconia High School product captured four Minnesota state titles and took gold at the U20 World Championships.

Wrestling legend Jordan Burroughs is also expected to compete at RAF 12, though an opponent has not been announced. The card will also feature Tyron Woodley against Joaquin Buckley, according to the report. RAF has two events scheduled before Cleveland: RAF Georgia on July 11 and RAF 11 on July 18 in Milwaukee.

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• MMA Mania — Too quick? UFC White House’s Bo Nickal makes super fast turnaround, draws 2026 NCAA champ for Aug. 2026 date