Rise Above Fighting (RAF) officially confirmed on Tuesday that Bo Nickal and Yoel Romero will finally collide at RAF 16, scheduled for December 19 in Long Island, New York. This bout marks the third time matchmakers have attempted to pair the two elite wrestlers, following previous cancellations due to Nickal’s withdrawal from RAF 4 and Romero’s weight-cut failure at RAF 5. The fight will proceed as a catchweight crossover event, allowing fans to witness a rare technical duel between two of the most decorated grapplers in MMA history.
Third attempt at a wrestling heavyweight clash finally locks in for December 19.
Nickal enters the bout as a top-15 UFC middleweight contender, bringing a perfect collegiate record from his three NCAA Division I national championships at Penn State. Since transitioning to MMA in 2021, the 30-year-old has maintained momentum, most recently securing a decision victory over 2008 Olympic gold medalist Shirvani Muradov in September. Facing a 49-year-old opponent, Nickal possesses the physical edge and technical refinement to control the pace, though he must remain wary of Romero’s veteran experience and striking range.
Romero, a former UFC welterweight champion, has navigated mixed results since his 2024 return, including a win over Thiago Santos in a PFL versus Bellator exhibition. At 49, the Cuban fighter relies on his extensive grappling background and tactical intelligence to neutralize younger opponents. This matchup serves as a definitive test of endurance and wrestling pedigree, with Nickal looking to solidify his status as a premier middleweight threat while Romero aims to prove his longevity in a high-profile crossover bout.
Source: Yahoo Sports
