Chael Sonnen makes bold case for Bo Nickal title shot with win at UFC White House

UFC Hall of Famer Chael Sonnen believes Bo Nickal will make the case for a title shot with an impressive win over Kyle Daukaus.

UFC middleweight star Bo Nickal will look to continue his positive momentum this weekend at UFC Freedom 250 on the White House lawn. Nickal and Kyle Daukaus will square off as part of a seven-fight card at the White House, featuring the returns of Ilia Topuria and Alex Pereira.

Nickal bounced back from his first-career MMA loss with a brutal knockout win at UFC 322 in November. After falling to Rainier de Ridder last year at UFC Des Moines, Nickal knocked out Rodolfo Vieira with a head kick to get back into the middleweight mix.

Despite being just one fight removed from a crushing defeat, UFC Hall of Famer Chael Sonnen believes Nickal is warranted for a title shot with a victory this weekend over Daukaus.

Chael Sonnen pushes Bo Nickal to call for title shot at UFC White House

After Nickal asked Sonnen who he should call out with a win at UFC Freedom 250, Sonnen didn’t hesitate to share a bold take.

Chael Sonnen wants Bo Nickal to call for a title shot if he wins at UFC FREEDOM 250

“I think it’s time… The time for you and the world championship at some point in 2026 I think is very appropriate.”

[ #UFCWhiteHouse | JUNE 14 | 8 PM ET on @paramountplus ] pic.twitter.com/V6yDVi3ttM

— UFC on Paramount+ (@UFConParamount) June 7, 2026

“The world champion – I think it’s time,” Sonnen said of Nickal in an interview via Paramount+.

“I do think it’s time. Yes, I think your record alone, the setback that RDR caused is very minor. If you look at other people’s careers, I can even use Islam Makhachev, for example. He also had one setback (vs. Adriano Martins) that was a little bit unexplainable.

“I mean, I’m just sharing that yes, yes, the time for you and the world championship at some point in 2026 I think is very appropriate.” (h/t MMA Junkie)

Sean Strickland reclaimed the UFC middleweight title by outpointing Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 328 last month. A Strickland vs. Chimaev rematch is possible for later this year, leaving Nassourdine Imavov and other top contenders on the sidelines.

It’s uncertain if Nickal will take Sonnen’s advice to heart, but in either case, expect Nickal to call for the top of the division with another win.

What is your prediction for Bo Nickal vs. Kyle Daukaus? Let us know in the comments!