McEnelly hands Nickal first wrestling loss since 2020 with slick go-behind at RAF 12

Max McEnelly handed Bo Nickal his first wrestling defeat in five years at RAF 12 in Cleveland, beating the three-time NCAA champion 3-2 in a match that showcased the University of Minnesota standout’s technical precision against a significantly larger opponent.

Despite conceding a notable size advantage, McEnelly controlled the decisive moments of the bout. He surrendered an early point for passivity but responded with the match’s only takedown — a slick go-behind that put Nickal flat on the mat and gave McEnelly a 2-1 lead. A second passivity call against Nickal extended that advantage to 3-1, and although Nickal clawed one point back, time was already working against him.

In the closing stages, Nickal abandoned structured setups and repeatedly shot for McEnelly’s legs in desperation, but the 2026 NCAA champion was sharp enough to deny every attempt. McEnelly also prevented Nickal from pushing him out of bounds — a boundary escape that would have levelled the match on criteria — to seal the 3-2 victory.

The loss is Nickal’s first in wrestling since he fell to Penn State teammate David Taylor at the 2020 Olympic trials, a run of dominance that had underscored his rapid rise through the UFC’s middleweight division, where he currently sits inside the top 15.

“There’s a new star in this organisation,” McEnelly said after the final whistle. “I’m coming for the belt. He’s a great wrestler. It finally came and it feels good to get the win. He’s a good competitor. He’s one of those top-level guys.”

Nickal has no UFC fight currently scheduled, leaving open the possibility of an immediate rematch with McEnelly through RAF. For now, the 2026 NCAA champion can count the Penn State legend among the names on his résumé.