TLDR
- Yoel Romero, 47, will face Bo Nickal, 28, in a wrestling match at Real American Fight 5
- The competitors have a nearly 20-year age gap between them
- Both fighters attended the RAF 5 press conference to preview their match
- Romero is an Olympic silver medalist and former UFC title contender
- Nickal is a three-time NCAA Division I national champion transitioning to MMA
Sources: Bloody Elbow | Yahoo Sports Canada
Yoel Romero and Bo Nickal came face to face at the Real American Fight 5 press conference to preview their upcoming wrestling match. The two MMA fighters will compete in a grappling bout despite having nearly a 20-year age difference.
Romero, 47, is a Cuban-born Olympic silver medalist who competed in freestyle wrestling at the 2004 Athens Games. Nickal, 28, is an American wrestler who won three NCAA Division I national championships at Penn State University.
The match represents a return to pure wrestling for both athletes who have focused on mixed martial arts in recent years. Romero spent years competing in the UFC as a middleweight contender, coming close to winning a championship multiple times.
Yoel Romero and Bo Nickal face-off 👀 🤼
🎥 @HelenYeeSports pic.twitter.com/beVqO4ARS7
— MMA UNCENSORED (@MMAUNCENSORED1) January 10, 2026
From Wrestling Mats to MMA Cages
Both men built their fighting careers on strong wrestling foundations. Romero used his Olympic-level grappling to become one of the most feared middleweights in UFC history before leaving the promotion in 2020.
Nickal has quickly risen through the MMA ranks since turning professional. His dominant wrestling skills have helped him achieve multiple quick victories in his young fighting career.
The age gap between the competitors has become a talking point leading up to the event. At 47, Romero will be one of the oldest active combat sports athletes competing at a high level.
Press Conference Face-Off
The two wrestlers stood across from each other at the RAF 5 press conference. Both men appeared focused and ready for the challenge ahead.
Real American Fight 5 is a combat sports event that features various grappling and mixed martial arts matches. The promotion has brought together fighters from different backgrounds and experience levels.
Romero’s wrestling credentials extend beyond his Olympic medal. He won gold at the 1999 World Championships and multiple Pan American Championships during his amateur career.
Nickal dominated the college wrestling scene from 2017 to 2019. He finished his collegiate career with a record of 120 wins and only 8 losses.
The format and specific rules for the wrestling match have not been fully disclosed. Both athletes have experience competing under various grappling rulesets throughout their careers.
Romero has maintained his competitive edge despite his age. He continues to train at a high level and has competed in MMA matches in recent years with Bellator MMA.
Nickal currently competes in the UFC’s middleweight division. He has used his wrestling background to control opponents and finish fights quickly inside the octagon.
The match gives fans a chance to see two high-level wrestlers compete in their original discipline. Wrestling fans and MMA enthusiasts have expressed interest in seeing how the bout plays out.
Both athletes showed mutual respect during the press conference proceedings. The face-off remained professional as they prepared for their upcoming competition at RAF 5.
