Paul Craig Bo Nickal Fight: Grappling and Game Plan
Paul Craig Bo Nickal fight: As he prepares to face Bo Nickal at UFC 309, Paul Craig, known for his dominant jiu-jitsu, shares his insights on this matchup, his goals in the UFC, and his commitment to the next generation of fighters from Scotland. Craig reflects on his fight camp, Nickal’s media presence, and the possibility of fighting in front of UK fans again soon at today’s UFC 309 media day in New York City.
Craig acknowledges Nickal’s impressive wrestling credentials but confidently asserts that jiu-jitsu remains his domain. He stated when asked if Bo has had enough time to catch his BJJ credentials, and vice versa,
“I don’t believe you can prepare for, you can prepare, but I don’t think you can learn everything there is to know. I’m never going to go out and wrestle Bo Nickal, and I know that. And we’re going into camp knowing that. So what you need to do is prepare adequately.”
Craig elaborated on the potential dynamics of their matchup in Maddison Square Garden, adding,
“So, will Bo take me down? Yes. Will that be a bad idea for Bo? I do believe so. I believe if you pin me on my back, that’s where I’m most dangerous. And we’ve seen that with people against, I went to my back with Krylov, when I’ve been on my back against Jamahal Hill. This is where I’m most dangerous. So, I do believe his game plan should not be to take me down and have me flat on my back.”
The Prospect Challenge: Does Craig See Bo Nickal as a True Test?
When asked if he felt surprised to face a rising prospect after bouts against ranked opponents, Craig actually considered the thought of being matched to face the rising talent, giving his place in the division:
“No, I kind of thought it was coming. After my last fight against Caio, I had to think about where I was going, because I was coming off two losses at middleweight. I’ve always wanted to be a title contender, I’ve always wanted to be a champion, and be in the top fifteen of any division.”
He continued, reflecting on his recent career decisions, saying,
“After Caio, I had to reassess that, and was like, right, it’s a little bit out of my reach at the moment. I’m maybe 2/3 fights away from it, and now it needs to be about what gets me excited? It’s fights! Fights that get me excited, fights that motivate me. This is a fight, and a venue, and a card that gets Paul Craig excited to go in and showcase his jiu-jitsu. This is potentially the hardest I’ve ever worked in my UFC career. I’ve given it all in my camp.”
Bo Nickal’s Media Presence and Potential Overconfidence
With Nickal frequently in the media, and consistently being matched virtually by fans and analysts, Craig was asked if he felt his opponent might be looking past him:
“It would be dangerous for him to look past me. It’s always dangerous to look past your opponent, give them the respect that they deserve. I hope he’s not looking past me and I hope he brings his A game. His wrestling is what got him to be where he is in his career, and I do believe my jiu-jitsu is going to be his kryptonite.”
Paul Craig’s Connection to UFC London and His UK Fanbase
With the UFC days ago announcing another show in London, England on March 22nd, Craig shared his enthusiasm for the recently announced UFC London card:
“London has been a good stomping ground for me. I’ve had some of my biggest wins in London. Always good to not travel, and it’s always good to give back to UK fans, so I’d love to be involved in that, but it’s about getting the job done on Saturday night, first and foremost,” he noted.
Craig has brought two promising young Scottish fighters, Sean and Stephen Clancy, to New York to share in the experience:
“Young Sean and Stephen are two of the young upcoming guys in this sport, in the UK scene. It’s more about them getting the opportunity to experience what it’s like to be backstage at the UFC. I’m at the point of my career where it’s about giving back, and it’s not taking from the sport, so if I can help as many young fighters as I possibly can, then that’s what I’m going to do.”
Speaking specifically about Sean’s prospects, and the talent the Cage Warriors fighter has, he was adamant fans will see Clancy in the UFC very soon.
“Sean showcased his prowess in Cage Warriors. I do believe he’s going to get an opportunity in the UFC within the next year or two, and he’s a dangerous, young, hungry guy. I believe he could step in this Octagon Saturday night, and get a victory over the mass majority of that roster.”
Paul Craig Bo Nickal fight: How do you think Paul Craig vs. Bo Nickal unfolds at UFC 309? Let us know in the comments!
Featured image credits to Embed from Getty Images
