WWE legend Hulk Hogan is hoping to turn freestyle wrestling into a money-making machine with his new Real American Freestyle promotion. The roster the company has assembled thus far is impressive, but they just landed their biggest star yet this week.
“Real American Freestyle, the new, unscripted freestyle wrestling organization, today announced the signing of Bo Nickal. Star of the UFC and champion freestyle wrestler,” RAF revealed in a press release. “The three-time NCAA Division I National Champion is widely considered one of the most outstanding wrestlers of all time. And will continue his UFC journey alongside Real American events and competitions.”
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The 29-year-old made his transition to mixed martial arts in 2021 and has posted a 7-1 record. After a pair of bouts for Dana White’s Contender Series, he made his Octagon debut two years ago at UFC 285. Nickal won his first four in the top promotion in cage fighting. However, he suffered his first MMA defeat earlier this year at UFC Des Moines to Reinier de Ridder.
But before he became a fast-rising prospect in the UFC, he was one of the greatest freestyle wrestlers in NCAA history. During his run with Penn State wrestling, Nickal went 120-3. He won three NCAA D1 national titles. The 2019 Dan Hodge Trophy. The Schalles Award twice. He was the 2019 Big Ten Athlete of the Year. Nickal won the 2018 NCAA Championship Outstanding Wrestler Award and is one of just four Nittany Lions alums to win three Nattys.
“Bo Nickal is a tremendous athlete and one of the most accomplished wrestlers on the planet,” said RAF Commissioner and pro wrestling icon Hulk Hogan. “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.”
RAF is backed by Hogan, former WCW president and WWE Hall of Famer Eric Bischoff, and renowned wrestling coach Izzy Martinez. Real American Freestyle’s first event takes place on Aug. 30 at the Wolstein Center in Cleveland, OH.
Real American Freestyle’s roster includes former MMA champs and All-Americans Darrion Caldwell and Lance Palmer. As well as heavyweight Wyatt Hendrickson. The man who beat division legend and gold medal winner Gable Steveson at the 2025 NCAA Championships.
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