Proud daddy?

Bo Nickal – elected president Donald Trump‘s new favorite fighter (sorry, Colby) – puts on a show tonight (Sat., Nov. 16, 2024) at UFC 309 from Madison Square Garden in New York, NY, successfully taking on a 17-fight Octagon veteran (and unpredictable submission specialist) , Paul Craigto the judges’ scorecards.

Trump, sitting ringside, had to be pleased.

Nickal – with his meteoric rise through the middleweight ranks – was ready to showcase his skills on the biggest mixed martial arts (MMA) stage in ‘The Big Apple’. However, Craig was a super dangerous opponent, known for his ability to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat.

And Nickal’s cautious plan was proof of that reality.

Nickal got the action going with a low kick, but it was quite clear he was a little tight in the opening moments – the pressure must have been immense. But that’s a somewhat normal feeling for such a decorated amateur wrestler.

The crowd started chanting, “Bo, Bo, Bo!!!” and halfway through the opening round it seemed like he was starting to loosen up a bit. Craig started controlling the leg kicks and then countering effectively with a few of his own kicks. Craig started chasing Nickal, hoping to catch him in the corner, but he circled around and kept trying to catch up with the towering Scot.

Nickal feigned an ankle pick and landed a nice left hook. And that’s pretty much it for the opening frame – super pedestrian from both sides (especially Nickal). Craig was having a good time between rounds though – he certainly seemed the more comfortable fighter in the cage.

As the second round started, Craig continued to chase Nickal, talking nonsense and waving his hands, hoping he would come forward and make an exchange. Nickal spammed the left hand and landed a nice shot over the top before Craig spun off the cage.

The fans grew increasingly impatient and counted down the seconds as the prop bet “under” 1.5 rounds was wiped off the board. Another big left hand landed further ahead for Nickal, but he was clearly surprised – or just overly cautious – heading into the final frame.

Heading into the final frame, it was unclear who was ahead on the judges’ scorecards.

Round three went much like the first 10 minutes (and, like the first 10 minutes, featured ZERO wrestling), but then, with less than three minutes on the clock, Nickal drilled him with a hard shot. Craig covered up, clearly stung, but Nickal froze, refusing to open up and go for a finish. Nickal hit a solid body shot as the final seconds ticked off the clock.

Overrated?

End result: Nickal def. Craig via unanimous decision

LIVE! Watch UFC 309 PPV on ESPN+ here!

LEGACY ON THE LINE! Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) returns to “The Big Apple” in New York, NY on Saturday, November 16, 2024, with the highly anticipated, historic heavyweight showdown between reigning division champions, Jon Joneswho wants to ride off into the sunset as the bona fide GOAT at the expense of the former kingpin, Stipe Miocic. In the pay-per-view (PPV) co-headliner of UFC 309 from Madison Square Garden, former lightweight champion, Charles Oliveirawill reverse it Michael Chandlerwho has been waiting in vain on the sidelines Conor McGregor‘s ill-fated comeback. UFC 309 will also feature the exciting returns of super prospects Mauricio Ruffy And Bo Nickal (in separate battles) and much more! UFC309The start time has been scheduled 6:00 PM ET (Prelims card) and 10pm ET (PPV main card).

Don’t miss a single second of epic face-punching action!

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