Rodolfo Vieira has spoken publicly for the first time since his defeat at UFC 322.
The Brazilian submission specialist squared off against Bo Nickal in New York on Saturday night. While he had a few positive moments, the American wrestler largely controlled the bout, finishing it in dramatic fashion.
A head kick knockout in the third round sent Vieira to the hospital and earned Nickal a $50,000 performance bonus.
Rodolfo Vieira’s wife was also hospitalized after UFC 322
On Monday, Rodolfo Vieira posted a video from his hospital bed on social media. The footage showed a woman being wheeled into the room on another hospital bed.
Vieira’s caption implied his wife had experienced some sort of medical issue following UFC 322. Juliana Marques, who appeared to be unwell, was wearing a patient ID wristband in the video.
But things seemed to be fine in the end, as Vieira made light of it all in a post on Instagram. “Bo Nickal sent two to the hospital with one kick,” he joked, adding crying laughing emojis. “Jokes aside, I hope you all find a wife/partner like this in your lives.”
What’s next for Bo Nickal?
Before his setback, Bo Nickal had put together a strong 7-0 start to his professional MMA career. The three-time NCAA Division I national champion was stopped by Reiner de Ridder in May, but has since bounced back and is looking to build momentum again.
Even after his recent win at UFC 322, Nickal still has ground to cover before he can re-enter the title conversation.
There’s no official word yet on who he’ll face next, though there’s already some interest building. Khamzat Chimaev’s teammate made waves with a knockout at UFC 322 and wasted no time calling out Nickal afterwards.
Baisangur Susurkaev extended his undefeated record to 11-0 at Madison Square Garden. After stopping Eric McConico in the third round, the 24-year-old middleweight turned his attention toward a fight with Nickal.
“Bo Nickal, you’re next,” Susurkaev said during his post-fight interview with Joe Rogan. “If not you, Chimaev,” he added with a laugh.
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