Bo Nickal’s rise in the UFC has been nothing short of impressive. After securing another victory at UFC 309 over seasoned veteran Paul Craig, many are wondering, how soon until he faces the top dogs of the middleweight division. With an undefeated record and world-class grappling accolades under his belt, it’s easy to see why the Penn State alum is viewed as a future champion. But does he really need to step up to the Top 15 just yet? Daniel Cormier doesn’t think so, and he’s not shy about saying why.

The former ‘champ-champ’ made a strong point on the Good Guy/Bad Guy podcast: “He’s two years in, he’s already 7-0…. he’s still somewhere in the 20 to 30 range, that’s where I think he should be fighting next.” It’s a bit of a reality check for fans who might be eager to see Nickal jump straight into title contention. Sure, his win over Craig was impressive, but Cormier’s advice is simple, slow down and develop. Does that mean we won’t see Nickal fight the top guys at 185lbs anytime soon?

Cormier seems to think so, but he’s not dismissing Nickal’s talent either. Instead, he’s pushing for patience, stressing that Nickal should get a couple more developmental fights before taking on the best of the best. “He’s two fights from being ready for those guys in the top 15 if you’re doing it the right way with him,” DC added.

But here’s the question, whenever Nickal is ready for the Top 15, which fighters should he face? According to Cormier, combatants like Michel Pereira (#15) or Roman Dolidze (#10) might be better suited to challenge Nickal’s skill set right now. But with the level of competition rising as you move up the ranks, DC suggests Nickal should build his experience first.

Should Bo Nickal be building experience before the big challenge?

Looking at the middleweight rankings, Cormier’s assessment seems fair. Fighters like Pereira, who just lost for the first time in seven fights, and Dolidze are tough tests, but Nickal could be ready for these bouts sooner than others think, though not yet. Cormier’s view brings a sense of realism, urging Nickal to develop his skills further before taking on the full force of the division.

But what if he’s ready now? With his wrestling pedigree and undefeated record, could Nickal surprise us and make the leap? It’s a tough call. As fans, it’s easy to get caught up in the hype of a new fighter who’s climbing the ranks quickly. We love the idea of seeing them battle the best, but at what cost? The former champ’s cautionary words serve as a reminder, that just because a fighter has potential doesn’t mean they are ready to face the elite.

The most recent and prominent example of this push is Darren Till whose feverish popularity prompted the promotion to launch him as a title contender where he was thoroughly shut down by the then 170lbs king Tyron Woodley. ‘The Gorilla’ was never the same after that bout. An early push for Nickal can also end up in disaster and be fatal for his young career.

When you look at fighters like Khamzat Chimaev, who also exploded onto the scene, it’s clear that rapid ascension can come with its challenges. So, could rushing Nickal into that same level of competition be a mistake? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain, Bo Nickal’s journey is only just beginning.

What do you think? Should Nickal take this advice seriously, or should he push for a faster rise through the ranks? Let us know in the comments below!