Written by Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images
UFC middleweight Bo Nickal’s return to the wrestling world is officially set.
Promotional officials confirmed to MMA Fighting that Nickal is set to compete at the inaugural Real American Freestyle event on Aug. 30 at Wolstein Center in Cleveland. Nickal faces Jacob Cardenas.
Nickal is staying active in the combat sports space after suffering his first pro MMA loss in his most recent bout. In the co-main event of UFC Des Moines in May, Nickal was stopped by Reinier de Ridder in the second round. The Penn State wrestling legend competes for Real American Freestyle while continuing his UFC and mixed martial arts journey.
Cardenas is a two-time All-American while competing for Cornell University, and earned his third NCAA All-American nod in his final year of eligibility at the University of Michigan in the 2024-2025 season.
Other notable bouts include former Bellator champion Darrion Caldwell taking on Real Woods, and Olympic silver medalist Kennedy Blades vs. Alejandra Arriga
Two-time PFL season champ Lance Palmer also competes at the event as does Olympic gold medalist Sarah Hildebrandt.
More matches are expected to be revealed, including a “featured main card bout,” per the promotion.
While broadcast details have yet to be announced, Chael Sonnen is set to serve as part of the commentary team.
Check out the current RAF01 card below.
Bo Nickal vs. Jacob Cardenas
Austin O’Connor vs. James Green
Darrion Caldwell vs. Real Woods
Austin Gomez vs. Lance Palmer
Yianni Diakomihalis vs. Bajrang Punia
Kennedy Blades vs. Alejandra Arriga
Sarah Hildebrandt vs. Yeltsin Guerra