Bo Nickal Misses UFC Saudi Arabia Bout: Remote Montana Mountains Delayed Cell Service

UFC Saudi Arabia, scheduled for June 22nd at Riyadh’s Kingdom Arena, has seen significant changes to its main event lineup. Originally set to feature Robert Whittaker against Khamzat Chimaev in a middleweight clash, the event was thrown into turmoil when Chimaev had to withdraw due to illness. This forced the UFC to scramble for a replacement on short notice.

Among the potential candidates considered to replace Chimaev was Bo Nickal, as revealed in an interview on his YouTube channel.

Nickal confirmed that the UFC had contacted him about stepping in to face Whittaker, but he missed the opportunity because he was out of cell range in the mountains of Montana. By the time he returned to service, it was too late to negotiate the fight despite the enticing financial offer involved.

Nickal, a rising talent with a perfect 6-0 record in MMA, expressed reluctance about traveling to Saudi Arabia for the fight, citing the significant distance involved. Despite the financial appeal, logistical challenges and timing ultimately prevented him from seriously considering the opportunity.

As a result of Chimaev’s withdrawal and Nickal’s missed chance, Robert Whittaker will now face Ikram Aliskerov in the headline bout at UFC Saudi Arabia. Aliskerov, with a record of 15-1 in MMA, steps in to challenge the former middleweight champion Whittaker in what promises to be an intriguing matchup in Riyadh’s Kingdom Arena this weekend.