Bo Nickal, a celebrated Penn State wrestling star and three-time NCAA national champion, showcased his skills once again at UFC 309 on November 16, held at Madison Square Garden. Nickal emerged victorious over fellow grappler Paul Craig, winning by unanimous decision. This match marked Nickal’s ascent to a flawless 7-0 record in the UFC, though it also put an end to his remarkable six-fight finish streak, as this bout required the full three rounds to determine the winner.
Nickal entered the octagon to an electrifying atmosphere, buoyed by the cheers of a passionate New York City crowd and accompanied by a remix of “Kernkraft 400.” As a significant favorite, with odds at -1200 against Craig—who had lost four of his previous five bouts—Nickal was under considerable expectations as he continued his promising career in mixed martial arts.
The fight unfolded cautiously in the first round, with both athletes testing one another before the crowd reignited the energy with chants of “We Are.” Craig managed to deliver hard kicks to Nickal’s legs, while Nickal’s offensive output was notably subdued. The lack of significant damage on either side characterized this opening round.
As the second round began, Nickal settled into rhythm, finding success with accurate punches and kicks despite enduring some damage from Craig’s lower-body strikes. The round concluded with both fighters seeming evenly matched, as the unofficial scorecard reflected a tight battle at 19-19.
Entering the third round was uncharted territory for Nickal, who had previously never fought beyond the second round. Although he considered a takedown, he opted to keep the battle standing. However, the audience’s enthusiasm wavered as they expressed dissatisfaction with the pace of the fight. A powerful punch from Nickal briefly stunned Craig, but he could not capitalize on the opportunity. As the fight neared its conclusion, a chant of “overrated” filled the air, possibly reflecting the crowd’s frustration despite the skill on display.
Ultimately, Bruce Buffer announced Nickal as the winner by unanimous decision, affirming his status as a rising star in the UFC.
In his post-fight interview with Joe Rogan, Nickal expressed satisfaction with his performance, noting his ability to manage the fight over the full duration. Although he did not specify who he aimed to fight next, the anticipation for his future bouts remains high, leaving fans eager for more excitement in his career.
This fight, though different in pace from previous outings, illustrates Nickal’s ability to adapt and strategize as he progresses in the UFC, hinting at a bright future filled with potential matchups that could further elevate his standing in the sport.