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Bo Nickal says Gable Steveson threatened to KO him backstage before UFC 331 upset: 'This is insane'

Middleweight prospect Bo Nickal revealed a tense backstage confrontation with fellow wrestler-turned-MMA fighter Gable Steveson ahead of their shared appearance at a recent RAF event in Cleveland. Nickal, who has risen quickly through the UFC ranks since his 2022 pro debut, described Steveson’s sudden hostility—including unsolicited trash talk during a previous fight week—as surprising, given their previously cordial relationship.

The two heavyweight contenders, both former collegiate and Olympic wrestlers, have drawn significant attention in the MMA world, with Nickal set to headline his first UFC main event in February against Joe Pyfer, while Steveson suffered his first professional loss in September at UFC 331, where he was knocked out in just 12 seconds by Sean Sharaf. Nickal also expressed sympathy for Steveson’s situation, acknowledging the scrutiny surrounding past allegations that resurfaced during his recent fight week, though no criminal charges were ever filed.

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