UFC 300 results: ‘Embarrassed’ Bo Nickal boos himself, chokes out tough Cody Brundage anyway
by Thomas Myers · MMAmania.comThe most hyped Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) Middleweight prospect in recent memory (Sorry, Khamzat), Bo Nickal, was back in action at UFC 300 tonight (Sat., April 13, 2024), stepping up in “competition” against eight-fight Octagon veteran, Cody Brundage, kicking off the historic pay-per-view (PPV) card.
Despite what Dana White might say, Nickal is being groomed carefully. One of the most credentialed amateur wrestlers on UFC’s roster, ever, Nickal has been honing his mixed martial arts (MMA) skills with American Top Team for many years now. And, to date, no one who has been locked inside a cage with him has made it beyond the three-minute mark.
Until now.
UFC 300’s PPV platform was the ultimate showcase — Nickal just had to take care of business and handle Brundage, who has maintained a .500 UFC record through eight bouts since 2021. But, it wasn’t as easy as the lopsided odds would have suggested ahead of the 185-pound showdown.
So, something had to give, and when the dust finally settled, the master plan for Nickal continued to pay dividends thanks to a second round rear-naked choke finish.
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BIGGEST, BADDEST COMBAT SPORTING EVENT! Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) will make history inside T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, on Sat., April 13, 2024, staging the 300th pay-per-view (PPV) event since its inception in 1993. Alex Pereira will put his 205-pound belt on the line in UFC 300’s main event against returning former division roost-ruler, Jamahal Hill. In UFC 300’s co-main event, women’s Strawweight champion, Weili Zhang, will defend against top-ranked contender, Xiaonan Yan, while Justin Gaethje puts his “Baddest Motherf—ker” gimmick belt on the line against former Featherweight deity, Max Holloway, in an all-action Lightweight showdown. UFC 300’s blockbuster PPV main card (see it here) will also feature Charles Oliveira vs. Arman Tsarukyan and Bo Nickal vs. Cody Brundage. All that and so much more! UFC 300 start time scheduled for 6 p.m. ET (Prelims) and 10 p.m. ET (PPV).
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Brundage came out with the early pressure, launching a flying high kick straight out of the gate, but caught nothing but air. He continued to press the action, forcing Nickal to bum-rush him into the cage, and after a brief scramble the pair ended up clinching along the fence upright. Nickal secured a double-leg takedown and dumped him to the canvas, but Brundage — a solid collegiate wrestler in his own right — was able to get right back to his feet. Nickal continued to grapple, eventually working his way to Brundage’s back at the bottom of the cage midway through the opening frame. As Nickal slid his forearm under Brundage’s chin, he was able to defend well off his side and then roll to his back. But, Nickal was able to secure full mount, then a crucifix position, as Brundage continued to move well from bottom position. Nickal got on his back with Brundage in a turtle position and went for another submission, but once again the defense was on-point.
Nickal entered the second round for the first time ever in his MMA career, but didn’t appear too bothered, going right back to work with a grappling-heavy attack in the second stanza. And it didn’t take long for Nickal to once again get the fight horizontal, working ground-and-pound from top position with four minutes on the clock.
And that was just too much time for Nickal to get to work, securing full mount and angling for an arm-triangle choke. He postured up and started to rain down some hard punches, forcing Brundage to roll to his belly, with Nickal right behind him looking for a fight-ending submission. And that’s exactly how it ended.
Nickal was not thrilled with his performance after the tap, heading over to White to seemingly apologize. But, he has nothing to apologize for — he doesn’t select his opponents. Let’s just hope Nickal meets someone who might be able to take him into the third round next time?
It’s just free money at this point.
Final result: Nickal def. Brundage via submission (rear-naked choke) in round two
To check out the latest and greatest UFC 300: “Pereira vs. Hill” news and notes be sure to hit up our comprehensive UFC 300 event archive right here. For the updated and finalized UFC 300 fight card and PPV lineup click here.