Bo Nickal is the latest UFC fighter to invite his online critics to an impromptu sparring session.
Bo Nickal has been under a massive spotlight for years, even before he signed with the UFC. The former NCAA Division-I wrestling national champion is used to dealing with detractors and haters, especially after back-to-back slow-paced wins in the Octagon.
Nickal, who was called a blue-chip prospect by many MMA analysts upon his UFC arrival, was booed mercilessly by the crowd after a win against Paul Craig at UFC 309. Despite being one of the most accomplished wrestlers on the planet, Nickal opted to take a striking-heavy approach to his matchup with Craig, given the danger Craig presented from his guard.
In the days and weeks since UFC 309, Nickal has heard from trolls all around the world about his at-times head-scratching performance. Nickal’s solution? He’s invited the trolls to meet him face-to-face at his gym to test their theories.
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Bo Nickal gives online trolls an ultimatum after latest win
During a recent episode of his Nickals and Dimes podcast, Nickal invited online trolls to spar him at his gym in Pennsylvania.
“I fought the best and smartest fight of my career and nobody’s gonna change my mind on that,” Nickal said. “So, if anybody has a problem with it, come over to freaking ATT in Pleasant Gap and scrap up. If you got a problem with it, then you can see what it feels like to get punched in the face. So, otherwise, shut up.
“I felt terrible about my UFC 300 performance and I got a second-round finish and the crowd cheered and they were excited about it,” Nickal continued. “I thought that was the worst performance that I had in my career, and this one was the best performance that I had and the fans booed and I feel great. Like, literally zero effect on me. So, I’m gonna keep doing what I’m doing.” (h/t BJPenn)
Nickal remains undefeated in his MMA career amidst a quick ascent to UFC stardom. Despite the prestige of the Craig win, Nickal could still be one or two wins away from a spot in the middleweight Top 15.
Dana White admitted he’s had conversations with Bo Nickal over his style and trajectory
After UFC 309, UFC CEO Dana White was asked to grade Nickal’s performance and the harsh fan reception to his win. White shared that he and Nickal have had numerous conversations in recent months about his goals and fighting style, implying the hyped prospect needs to pump the brakes on his lofty expectations.
Nickal, 28, isn’t in any hurry to enter the middleweight title mix as he continues to gain experience and lessons in and out of the cage. Before defeating Craig, he earned recent wins over Cody Brundage and Val Woodburn.
Nickal continues to be under a microscope given the immense hype he entered the UFC with ahead of his debut. But after another win that left some fans desiring more output, Nickal could potentially get a few new visitors at his gym in the coming months.
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