Dana White intervenes after ‘American Khabib Nurmagomedov’ gives shocking post-fight interview at UFC 300
Dana White felt compelled to intervene following Bo Nickal's UFC 300 win.
The 6-0 uber-prospect was extended to the second round for the first time in his career before tapping out Cody Brundage at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on Saturday night.
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Nickal was clearly disappointed with himself as he immediately reacted to his UFC 300 win by putting two thumbs down.
The 28-year-old headed over to speak with White and Facebook billionaire Mark Zuckerberg, who was sitting at cageside with the UFC boss.
After that, he gave a surprisingly sombre post-fight interview.
"I'm a little bit embarrassed with that performance," Nickal told Joe Rogan.
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"I expect to go out there and completely dominate this guy and shut him out. I gave him too many opportunities.
"At the same time, I'm grateful because I did get to get past the first round. A few seconds removed, it was kind of ideal because I was able to have that appearance under my belt."
As the disappointed American left the Octagon and headed backstage, he was stopped for a pep talk from the UFC boss.
White left his seat to chat with Nickal, who found himself in the firing line from fans after being given a UFC 300 main card slot ahead of a bunch of former champions.
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During his post-fight press conference, White revealed exactly what was said during his conversation with Nickal.
"We think he’s going to be a star," he began.
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"I said, ‘Kid, you’ve got to stop putting that kind of pressure on yourself. You just come out and do what you do. Keeping winning, block out all this bulls*** and f***ing noise’.
Earlier this week, former middleweight champion Michael Bisping predicted he could be as dominant as retired lightweight legend Khabib Nurmagomedov.
"Bo Nickal has the potential to go down as one of the greatest champions that we’ve ever seen," Bisping told MMA Fighting.
"An American version of a Khamzat Chimaev or an Islam Makhachev or a Khabib Nurmagomedov. That’s the kind of pedigree that he has, and that’s what he’s shown so far.
"When you reach the level Bo Nickal has in wrestling, you’re a special kind of human being.
"Bo Nickal has got the ability to be an American Khabib Nurmagomedov, and he’s a great guy. He’s phenomenal. He’s undefeated.
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