When Bo Nickal‘s viral video of him weighing 222.6 pounds surfaced, it generated both curiosity and suspicion. Nickal released the video before his bout against Reinier de Ridder at UFC Fight Night in Des Moines, Iowa, claiming that it was the heaviest he’d ever been before a weight cut, with the goal of becoming a “full-size middleweight.” While the UFC fighter was confident in his weight gain, especially given his goal to trim 36 pounds to meet the 186-pound limit, Chael Sonnen remained skeptical of his mind games. ‘The American Gangster,’ who is known for his outspoken comments and stinging critiques, did not mince words when addressing the viral clip on his YouTube channel, pointing out that the weight claim was not only ridiculous but “physically impossible.”

Sonnen, who has been following the 29-year-old’s wrestling career for years, provided historical context to back up his case. He reminded fans that during his NCAA wrestling career, Nickal struggled to reach 211 pounds, a weight class where he was sometimes undersized. The UFC analyst is quick to point out that professional fighters like Bo Nickal do not bulk up easily because their intense training programs and constant conditioning limit the amount of weight they can naturally gain. “Bo was a 97-pounder in college,” Sonnen said, “and when he tried to go up to 211 lbs, he failed.” According to Chael Sonnen, it’s ludicrous to think that someone who struggled to reach 211 lbs could suddenly weigh in at 222 lbs while competing at 185 lbs, especially considering the high standards of physical conditioning required in MMA.

Not one to mince words, ‘The American Gangster’ declared that anybody who believes Nickal’s weight claim is a fool. He argues that, while human bodies naturally expand and gain weight with time, Bo Nickal’s circumstances as a professional athlete should make it clear that such extreme weight gain is unrealistic. Fighters like Nickal, who train every day and work on weight management to stay in their divisions, can’t merely bulk up quickly without sacrificing performance. To make things more Sonnen, he then ridiculed the fans who believed the viral video and worry about him not making weight, as he said, “You would be a fool to believe it. And that really is where I get my biggest joy—because many of you do believe it. And it’s good that you get a reminder now and again that you are, in fact, fools.”

Chael Sonnen’s message is clear: Nickal’s boasts of gaining weight in a short amount of time do not add up, and those who accept them without understanding the realities of athletic training are tricked. MMA fighters are trained to stay inside a specific weight range, and weight changes are a meticulous process, not a spontaneous transformation. However, it is worth noting that while ‘The American Gangster’ did expose Bo Nickal’s weight claim, he is also the one who predicted a major rise in the 29-year-old’s career in 2025.

Chael Sonnen predicts a major shift for Bo Nickal in 2025

While Chael Sonnen quickly criticizes the hoopla surrounding Bo Nickal’s latest weight gain claims, he does not discount the fighter’s ability outright. Despite calling out the exaggerated narratives and possible mind games, Sonnen remains confident in Nickal’s future success. In fact, he has continually praised Nickal’s wrestling background and believes that the 29-year-old’s potential in the UFC is still immense. Despite Nickal’s disappointing showing at UFC 309, where fans chanted “overrated,” the UFC legend believes 2025 will be a pivotal year for the fight. According to ‘The American Gangster,’ Bo Nickal’s current challenges are only stepping stones to a significant rise in the division.

Sonnen’s confidence stems not just from hope but also from Nickal’s sheer athleticism and wrestling experience, which have made him a force to be reckoned with since joining the UFC. Although his victory over Paul Craig was far from overpowering, the former NCAA champion displayed moments of brilliance. Chael Sonnen sees this as an important learning opportunity for Nickal, one that will help him grow. While the 29-year-old may not be ready for a title opportunity just yet, Sonnen believes he has the potential to rise up the ranks. “I believe that Bo Nickal is going to rise to the top,” Sonnen predicted, admitting that it may take longer than expected, but his rise is unstoppable.

Sonnen’s vision for Nickal’s future in 2025 is more than just raw talent; it’s about honing the areas that require improvement. While the MMA community may be critical of his performance versus Craig, the UFC analyst sees his early struggles as part of the process. Nickal’s undefeated record and impressive wrestling history have won him a place among the UFC’s rising stars, and with time, he will adapt and rise to the challenge. For Sonnen, 2025 marks a year of learning and progress for Nickal, and while the UFC title is currently out of reach, Sonnen is confident that at the end of the year, Nickal will be closer than ever to the top of the middleweight division. But what do you think? Do you agree with his prediction? Let us know in the comments.