Bo Nickal entered the UFC with a reputation as one of the most decorated wrestlers in the United States. His transition from NCAA Division-1 to mixed martial arts sparked a lot of excitement, especially given his stellar performance in two appearances on Dana White’s Contender Series. Known for his wrestling and submission skills, Nickal’s grappling achievements, including a competitive match against Gordon Ryan in 2019, set high expectations for his MMA career. However, at UFC 309, his performance against Paul Craig left many fans and analysts scratching their heads.
Why Didn’t Bo Nickal Engage with Paul Craig on the Ground?
Nickal’s performance against Craig was a stark contrast to his usual dominant wrestling style. Despite being known for his takedowns and control, Nickal chose to keep the fight primarily on the feet, making the bout largely a kickboxing exchange. After securing a decision win, Nickal stated he wanted to “keep the fight on the feet,” but this left many questioning why he didn’t use his wrestling against a fighter like Paul Craig, known for his BJJ skills. Chael Sonnen, a former UFC fighter and analyst, expressed confusion over this decision, highlighting how Nickal’s grappling prowess should have been more apparent in a fight against a submission specialist like Craig.
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Chael Sonnen Weighs In: Is Bo Nickal Afraid to Grapple?
Former UFC middleweight champion Chael Sonnen dissected Nickal’s performance in a video, saying he couldn’t understand why Nickal avoided engaging in a grappling-heavy fight. “Bo is not scared to lose,” Sonnen emphasized, noting how Nickal competed against Gordon Ryan, one of the best grapplers in the world, without hesitation. Sonnen pointed out that while many fighters would shy away from grappling with someone like Ryan, Nickal stepped in and performed admirably. This contrast with Nickal’s UFC 309 performance, where he avoided grappling with Craig, puzzled Sonnen. “I’m just trying to figure this out,” Sonnen added, calling out the inconsistency in Nickal’s strategy.
Bo Nickal Responds: “I Can Wrestle”
In the aftermath of his UFC 309 performance, Nickal addressed the criticism he received. On the Pound 4 Pound podcast with Kamaru Usman and Henry Cejudo, Nickal made it clear that he still had full confidence in his wrestling abilities. “I dominated a veteran with 26 fights for three straight rounds using only striking. I didn’t even use my biggest asset,” Nickal explained. His “biggest asset,” of course, is his wrestling, and he promised to return to it in future bouts. Nickal guaranteed that in his next fights, he would be taking opponents down. “There’s a very low chance they’re taking me down, and if they do, I’m getting up guaranteed,” he said confidently.
Chael Sonnen Calls for Bo Nickal to Fight His Game
Despite Nickal’s assurance that he would use his wrestling more in the future, Sonnen remained adamant that Nickal needs to stop second-guessing himself. “Fight your game,” Sonnen urged in his YouTube breakdown, reminding Nickal that his wrestling is what sets him apart. According to Sonnen, Nickal’s decision to stand and trade with Paul Craig went against his natural strengths and confused fans and analysts alike. For Sonnen, Bo Nickal’s future success lies in embracing his wrestling pedigree and using it to control opponents in the octagon, just as he did against Gordon Ryan in the world of grappling.
Bo Nickal’s Conflicting Statements Spark Fan Reactions
Bo Nickal’s comments about his performance were met with mixed reactions. On one hand, he defended his decision to strike against Paul Craig, stating that he was satisfied with his performance. On the other hand, he expressed frustration with the critics who called him “overrated” and promised to revert to his wrestling-heavy game plan moving forward. Fans took to social media to voice their opinions, with some questioning his approach to the fight and others praising his willingness to adapt. One fan commented on YouTube, “One of the most decorated US grapplers of all time being too scared to grapple a Scottish MMA fighter is pretty funny.” Another added, “That energy drink isn’t allowed to leave his hand,” poking fun at Nickal’s tendency to keep a beverage close during interviews.
What’s Next for Bo Nickal in the UFC?
Nickal’s undefeated record and impressive wrestling pedigree mean that many still view him as a future star in the UFC. But after his lackluster performance against Paul Craig, fans and analysts alike are eagerly wondering if he can break into the top 10 by the end of 2025. With six finishes in his seven wins, Nickal has shown that he can dominate in various ways, but consistency is key. If Nickal sticks to his strengths, particularly his wrestling, there’s no telling how far he can go in the UFC.
FAQ: What’s Next for Bo Nickal After UFC 309?
- Will Bo Nickal use his wrestling more in future fights?
- Yes, Nickal has promised to rely more on his wrestling in upcoming bouts, stating that his wrestling is his biggest asset.
- Is Bo Nickal still undefeated?
- Yes, Bo Nickal remains undefeated with a record of 7-0, with six of those wins coming by way of finish.
- Why didn’t Bo Nickal grapple with Paul Craig at UFC 309?
- Nickal chose to keep the fight on the feet in order to test his striking skills, despite his reputation as a dominant wrestler.
- Can Bo Nickal break into the UFC’s top 10?
- Many believe Nickal has the potential to break into the top 10 by the end of 2025, especially if he focuses on his wrestling.
