Chael Sonnen Criticizes Bo Nickal’s Team for UFC 309 Performance Against Paul Craig
Bo Nickal may have remained undefeated at UFC 309, but his performance against Paul Craig left many fans, including MMA analyst Chael Sonnen, unimpressed. Despite securing a unanimous decision win, Nickal’s lack of aggression and refusal to use his renowned wrestling skills drew boos from the Madison Square Garden crowd and chants of “overrated.” Sonnen didn’t hold back in placing the blame on Nickal’s team.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Sonnen criticized Nickal’s team for straying away from his natural strengths:
“My problem with it and my gripe is that you have a four-time world champion… Doesn’t do one damn bit of wrestling because somebody got a hold of him,” Sonnen said,
“One of his trainers or his training partners sat him down and said, ‘You’re not ready to go to the ground with the guy.’ Well how the f**k would we know? How in the f**k we would know that now?”
Nickal, a decorated collegiate wrestler and former world champion, refrained from attempting a single takedown during the fight. Instead, he relied solely on his striking, a choice Sonnen believes was a misstep influenced by his team.
Chael Sonnen: Bo Nickal Calls His Performance
Nickal defended his game plan, describing his performance as “picture-perfect” and alluding to a strategy executed as planned. While Nickal was satisfied, Sonnen believes the responsibility for the lackluster display lies squarely with his corner.
“You do not look at your opponent’s game to decide your strategy,” Sonnen asserted. “That is nothing that Bo has ever done. He didn’t show Gabe Dean that respect. He didn’t show Myles Martin that respect. He did not show David Taylor that respect.”
Sonnen emphasized that Nickal’s failure to utilize his wrestling is a direct result of poor guidance from his trusted team.
Comparisons to Georges St-Pierre
Sonnen referenced UFC legend Georges St-Pierre as a prime example of a fighter who always leaned into his strengths, regardless of his opponent’s perceived abilities.
“A four-time world champion refuses to use one bit of wrestling against a guy that’s never had a wrestling match. That is because of somebody in his trusted inner circle,” Sonnen said, doubling down on his belief that Nickal’s corner mismanaged his strategy.
What’s Next for Bo Nickal?
While Nickal’s record remains unblemished, his UFC 309 performance has raised questions about his adaptability and game plan. As he continues to rise in the UFC’s middleweight division, the 27-year-old will need to address these concerns if he hopes to maintain his trajectory toward a title shot.
Sonnen’s critique highlights the importance of staying true to one’s strengths, especially for a fighter as accomplished in wrestling as Nickal. Whether Nickal’s team will adjust their approach moving forward remains to be seen.
For Sonnen, UFC 309 was a missed opportunity for Nickal to showcase the elite wrestling skills that brought him to the sport. As the MMA community continues to debate Nickal’s potential, one thing is certain: the pressure will be on for him to deliver a more well-rounded and dominant performance in his next fight.
Featured image credits to Embed from Getty Images and Embed from Getty Images
