Beau Nickal is asked what he thought when he heard the crowd chanting “overrated.”
Nickal then talks about his criticism of the UFC 309 broadcast team. It was a little disappointing to hear such comments from people I respect so much.#Helwanisho
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— Jed I. Goodman © (@jedigoodman)
November 18, 2024
Many fans and critics were unimpressed with Bo Nickal’s performance.
On the main card of UFC 309, Nickal (7-0) defeated Paul Craig (17-9-1) by unanimous decision in a striking match, with the proud wrestler not attempting a takedown. . The lackluster reception did not excite the audience or the commentary team, and those in attendance called it “overrated.” The multiple-time NCAA Division I champion suggested in his post-fight interview that he didn’t want to risk himself with an unlikely submission from “The Bear Jew,” a risk-averse strategy that he believes has worked. Executed. However, Nikkal did not welcome commentary on his fights.
His victory was never in doubt, but throughout the fight, commentators wondered whether he would be able to defeat an opponent of Khamzat Chimaev’s caliber. It was the first time the undefeated middleweight had gone the distance in seven fights. Still in the early stages of his career, which started professionally in 2022, Nikkal insists he has received nothing but good feedback from those he trusts and relies on. Appearing on The Ariel Helwani Show on Monday, Nikkal pushed back on some of the criticism that was aired against him.
“What was a little disappointing when I saw the fight back was the commentary, just hearing how they saw the match,” the Penn State wrestler said. “To hear something like ‘DC'” [Daniel
Cormier] I said, “Oh, he’s not ready to go to Khamzat”…I think he was trying to be respectful, but at the same time he was trying to nail me. It was just weird hearing that. But I feel like the people that I know, the people that are in my corner, and the people that give me honest and sincere feedback, are very happy with the win. I was very happy with the win and at the end of the day it really matters. However, it was a little disappointing to hear such comments from people I respect so much. ”
