Nickal vs. Romero - The Cael Sanderson Effect

Cael Sanderson has had quite the ripple effect on the sport but it’s not often an old opponent of his takes on one of his most successful athletes. The past meets the present when one of the most gifted athletic specimens ever born, Yoel Romero toes the line against RAF Light Heavyweight Champion, Bo Nickal.

In the 2003 Titan Games, Cael Sanderson toed the line against a young Yoel Romero in a match that most wouldn’t see but would likely hear about. The young Cuban would push the match to overtime where he would accomplish the impossible and defeat Sanderson 3-2. Only a year later Sanderson got his revenge, defeating Romero in the 2004 Olympic games.

The two would take opposite paths following the second and final matchup. Romero would become one of the most athletically gifted athletes in MMA history and Sanderson would become one of the most decorated coaches in the sport’s ancient history.

For over ten years the NCAA tournament hasn’t seen a National Championship tournament that didn’t feature a Sanderson protege. One of the most accomplished is arguably three-time National Champion turned MMA superstar Bo Nickal.

Nickal and Romero may not have ever been “destined to compete” on paper but few people in the RAF light heavyweight division are more primed for big matches than these two men.

Equipped with MMA trophies and accolades to go with an Olympic silver medal from the 2000 Olympic games, Romero is poised to prove age is only a number.

Waiting for him is a Hodge Trophy winner who’s budding MMA career has already seen two performance bonuses to go with one of the most impressive matches in NCAA history when he sealed the team win for Penn State against Ohio State’s Myles Martin back in 2018. Nickal has already secured NCAA gold as well as RAF metal and has come way too far to let his coach’s old adversary take him down in similar fashion.

The old adage, “an immovable object meets an unstoppable force” has never been more appropriate.

Opposite Styles Will Meet

Yoel Romero: One of the few men to ever accomplish an Olympic silver medal, Romero could have walked away from combat sports and still left a lasting legacy. Instead, “Soldier of God” would go on to have one of the most violent, impressive careers in the history of MMA. Romero will have to tap into that aggression and violence to gas Nickal out.

Bo Nickal: NCAA Champion and Hodge Trophy winner known for being deadly in transitions, fathering a unique, finish-heavy style and always finding his way on top in scrambles. The RAF ruleset gives both men the space to weaponize what makes them both dangerous.

WHAT TO WATCH FOR

Do It For Cael: You hate to see a rivalry end 1-1 and it’s unlikely we’ll ever see Romero vs Sanderson 3. Should Nickal have Nittany Lion pride in mind, this could be one of the most spectacular performances of one of the greatest wrestling careers of all time.

A Romero Surprise: If you’re only familiar with Romero’s violent MMA career you may be selling yourself. Romero made a career that many would kill for by way of his defense and counter power. He may be the older man and he may have never wrestled collegiately but instincts don’t fade. One wrong angle can put Nickal in a world of danger.

Throws, Throws, Throws: Both men possess some serious upper-body strength and capabilities. Both can throw and neither hesitate when the opportunity presents itself. Nickal is a finish-merchant and Romero can’t afford to play with his food. Expect throws and expect a finish.Can Bo Nickal defend his title and win the rivalry for Coach Cael? Does Yoel Romero still have the same strength, speed and athleticism that made him one of the most dodged competitors in combat sports history? Find out Saturday, December 20 ONLY on Fox Nation!