The UFC had high hopes for Bo Nickal. After all, his career before joining the promotion was stellar. Yet, in his fifth fight in the mixed martial arts promotion, reality hit him like a freight train. In May this year, the former Penn State wrestling standout dropped a second-round knockout loss to Reinier de Ridder. For the American southpaw to bounce back, in early September, the UFC confirmed his spot on UFC 322 against Rodolfo Vieira on November 15. 

The fight features a thrilling clash between a four-time NCAA national wrestling champion and a multiple-time Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu world champion—a dream matchup for fans of elite-level grappling. Everything seemed calm as anticipation built for UFC 321, but the atmosphere shifted dramatically once the event began. Midway through the card, the UFC unveiled the official fight order for UFC 322, sparking a massive wave of backlash from MMA fans across social media.

What is the UFC 322 fight order? And when does Bo Nickal fight?

Through a graphic displayed during UFC 321, UFC revealed that Bo Nickal vs. Rodolfo Vieira will serve as the second fight on the UFC 322 main card in New York, following Leon Edwards vs. Carlos Prates. The action will then continue with Sean Brady taking on Michael Morales, before the co-main event between Valentina Shevchenko and Zhang Weili. The night will culminate with the main event showdown between Jack Della Maddalena and Islam Makhachev.

When ‘Championship Rounds’ shared this update on X, fans erupted in anger. Comments like “Get bum a— Bo Nickal off the main card,” and “How the f—k is Bo Nickal on the main card” flooded the post. Notably, the American Top Team fighter has earned a not-so-favorable reputation among fans for his perceived arrogance, UFC’s preferential treatment, and the lack of big names on his resume.

On paper, Nickal’s credentials are undeniable. He’s a multiple-time NCAA Division I All-American and a three-time NCAA champion at 184 and 197 pounds, helping Penn State University capture four consecutive NCAA team titles. His college record stands at an outstanding 120-3, boasting a 97.65 winning percentage—one of the best in NCAA history. Yet, despite his athletic excellence, his demeanor has made him a polarizing figure who struggles to connect with fans.

Regardless, the 29-year-old isn’t shying away from criticism. Earlier today, he responded to the backlash about the UFC 322 fight order with a confident post on X. “Main card UFC 322,” he wrote. “Maybe I have 100’s of thousands of grassroots American wrestling fans, or maybe it’s just rage bait. Either way, I can’t wait to fight.” Arrogant or not, Bo Nickal isn’t taking the hate seriously—and his latest claim might only inflame fans further.

Nickal claims Donald Trump has chosen him for the UFC White House card

The Rifle, Colorado-born fighter has revealed that U.S. President Donald Trump wants him to be on the historic UFC White House card, planned for June. While the UFC is still mulling over who to put on the card, Nickal claims Trump has already given him the green light. “I’m planning on being on that card. That’s history, that’s exciting,” Nickal told Ariel Helwani.

“That’s something I feel like I would be ecstatic and grateful to be a part of. I’ve got to take care of business. I’ve talked with President Trump; he wants me on the card.” The 29-year-old claimed that he spoke to Trump after his appearance on FOX and Friends. “He called me up and sent me some encouragement… I told him that I want to get on it, and he said, ‘done deal,’” Nickal added.

However, Bo Nickal will first have to overcome Rodolfo Vieira at UFC 322 in New York. And from the backlash on social media, it’s clear who the public will be cheering for. What do you make of Nickal’s claims?