Bo Nickal, a distinguished Penn State wrestling alum and three-time NCAA national champion, showcased his skills at UFC 309 on November 16 at Madison Square Garden, where he secured a victory over fellow grappler Paul Craig by unanimous decision. This win improved Nickal’s professional MMA record to an impressive 7-0, although it halted his streak of six consecutive finishes, as the contest extended through all three rounds.
As the fight began, Nickal received a rousing welcome from the New York City crowd, entering the arena to a remix of the popular “Kernkraft 400.” He entered the octagon as a significant favorite, with odds set at -1200, particularly against Craig, who had experienced challenges in his recent fights, losing four out of five leading into this matchup.
During the opening round, both competitors cautiously assessed each other, with only a few strikes exchanged initially. The atmosphere intensified when the crowd erupted into chants of “We Are,” prompting both fighters to increase their aggression. Craig connected with several powerful kicks to Nickal’s legs, but significant damage was minimal as the round closed with neither fighter gaining a clear advantage.
As the second round commenced, Nickal began to find his rhythm, delivering accurate strikes while managing to absorb kicks from Craig. However, the fighters appeared to be evenly matched, with an unofficial score suggesting a tie at 19-19 by the round’s end.
Entering the third round, Nickal was in uncharted territory, having never gone beyond two rounds in his previous fights. As the round progressed, Nickal attempted a takedown but opted to continue the stand-up fight. The crowd’s energy waned, leading to boos as the bout became less dynamic. Nevertheless, Nickal managed to land a solid punch that momentarily stunned Craig against the cage. Ultimately, the fight concluded without a decisive finish, and Nickal was proclaimed the winner by unanimous decision.
In his post-fight interview with Joe Rogan, Nickal expressed excitement about his performance, stating he was “fired up and happy” with his execution throughout the match. However, he refrained from discussing potential future opponents, leaving fans curious about his next move.
This continues to highlight Nickal’s remarkable journey in the UFC, showcasing both his wrestling pedigree and the potential for growth as he refines his striking and overall game. With his undefeated record still intact, fans can look forward to seeing how Nickal will adapt and elevate his technique in upcoming bouts, further solidifying his reputation in the mixed martial arts world.