Tag: UFC 309

Bo Nickal Reveals ‘Only Regret’ From UFC 309 Win Over Paul Craig

Despite being pleased with his performance this past weekend, UFC middleweight prospect Bo Nickal does wish he did one thing differently against Paul Craig. Nickal extended his undefeated record in the UFC and professional mixed martial arts as a whole at Saturday’s UFC 309 pay-per-view, where he got the better of experienced veteran Paul Craig […]

Despite being pleased with his performance this past weekend, UFC middleweight prospect Bo Nickal does wish he did one thing differently against Paul Craig.

Nickal extended his undefeated record in the UFC and professional mixed martial arts as a whole at Saturday’s UFC 309 pay-per-view, where he got the better of experienced veteran Paul Craig on the main card.

The formerly ranked light heavyweight and middleweight was expected to mark the toughest test of Nickal’s career to date owing to his renowned jiu-jitsu ability, but that ultimately didn’t rear its head on fight night.

Instead, the submission specialist and the decorated wrestler fought out three lackluster rounds on the feet, much to the dismay of the New York crowd in attendance.

But despite boos raining down on the Octagon following his unanimous decision win, Nickal has been firmly defending his display and expressing his joy at how he was able to emerge victorious from a striking battle.

However, the three-time NCAA Division I national champion and three-time Big Ten Conference champion out of Pennsylvania State University does have one regret, albeit a small one…

“I was winning the striking and I was happy to get experience in the cage doing something I’ve never done before,” Nickal wrote on X. “My only (small) regret is not being more aggressive in the 3rd round after I hurt him. I need to build a better system to attack when my opponent is hurt.”

Having added Craig’s name to a list of defeated UFC opponents that also includes Cody Brundage, Val Woodburn, and Jamie Pickett, Nickal has moved closer to breaking through into contention at 185 pounds.

But with his latest win leaving a lot to be desired in the eyes of some fans and pundits, it would appear that the 28-year-old still has some work to do before mixing it up with the division’s best.

Michael Chandler Says First-Round Injury Affected Performance Against Charles Oliveira At UFC 309

UFC lightweight contender Michael Chandler believes he fought “23 minutes” of his rematch against Charles Oliveira with a severely compromised leg. Chandler’s negative Octagon record took further damage at this past weekend’s UFC 309 pay-per-view, where he fell to 2-4 since making the switch from Bellator to the sport’s leading promotion a number of years […]

UFC lightweight contender Michael Chandler believes he fought “23 minutes” of his rematch against Charles Oliveira with a severely compromised leg.

Chandler’s negative Octagon record took further damage at this past weekend’s UFC 309 pay-per-view, where he fell to 2-4 since making the switch from Bellator to the sport’s leading promotion a number of years ago.

In the co-main event at Madison Square Garden, Oliveira added his name to the American’s losing column once again, this time in much more convincing fashion.

While the Brazilian had to mount a memorable comeback to get the better of “Iron” back in 2022, he was on top from the word go when the pair ran it back. And after weathering a late burst from Chandler in round five, “Do Bronx” had his hand raised by way of a lopsided decision.

Given the success and near-title win he had against Oliveira previously, many were expecting more from the ex-Bellator champ. And that was evidently the case for the man himself, who believes he was prevented from competing at his best by a physical issue.

During a recent appearance on the Bussin’ With The Boys podcast, Chandler suggested that an early grappling exchange with Oliveira in the first round injured his knee, thus preventing him from employing his usual forward-pressure style.

“I think something happened to the knee in that first exchange when he had the leg and I did that full 360, he did a kneebar thing, because I walked back to the stool and I looked down at my left leg and it was not working right,” Chandler said. “It wasn’t stepping, it wasn’t catching, it was unstable, it was weird. … You know what it feels like to be on a solid foundation, to walk forward, move forward, attack, and I just wasn’t. 

“Moving backwards was no problem, so my body and my brain was telling me moving backwards was cool but moving forward, planting and being in his face, pressure — even if you go back and watch the fifth [round] … whenever I was pursuing him, my leg was almost flopping rather than stalking and moving forward,” Chandler continued. “We’ll see what happened, but essentially for 23 minutes of that fight I don’t know if the leg was really working that well.”

Regardless, that won’t affect Oliveira’s celebrations as he looks ahead to an expected showdown opposite whoever emerges from Islam Makhachev’s defense against Arman Tsarukyan with the lightweight gold in their possession.

Chandler, meanwhile, made his intentions for 2025 clear inside the Octagon, once again calling for MMA superstar Conor McGregor to face him for his comeback fight — should that ever happen.

Jon Jones Bus Trip: Glover Teixeira Plays Hilarious Prank on Tom Aspinall Ahead of UFC 309

Jon Jones Bus Trip: Glover Teixeira Plays Hilarious Prank on Tom Aspinall Ahead of UFC 309Glover Teixeira attempted to play a humorous prank on Tom Aspinall ahead of the UFC’s return to Madison Square…

Jon Jones Bus Trip: Glover Teixeira Plays Hilarious Prank on Tom Aspinall Ahead of UFC 309

Glover Teixeira attempted to play a humorous prank on Tom Aspinall ahead of the UFC’s return to Madison Square Garden on Saturday.

Undisputed UFC heavyweight champion Jon Jones successfully defended his title in the evening’s main event, smashing his way through Stipe Miocic via a third-round TKO. Aspinall was on hand for the festivities and actually weighed in 24 hours earlier as the official backup for the fight should either ‘Bones’ or Miocic need to be replaced in the 11th hour.

Teixeira

As the backup, Aspinall was required to adhere to strict rules, including no consumption of alcohol up until Jones vs. Miocic actually got underway.

So, of course, Teixeira, who has been known to be a bit of a prankster alongside his friend and light heavyweight successor Alex Pereira, tried to play a little trick on the interim titleholder.

“Tom you know, they just call me,” Teixeira said with a smile. I just got a call, Jon Jones, he trip in the bus, you know? So don’t be drinking, okay?”

“I’m on the water [laughing]!. Top man,” Aspinall replied.

Considering Teixeira couldn’t mask his smile for even a moment, it wasn’t hard for Aspinall to sniff out the lie.

Luckily, the heavyweight headliner went off without a hitch and Aspinall even banked an extra 200k just for showing up and sitting in the stands. Following Jones’ big win, he left the door open for a title unification clash with Apsinall who has held the interim heavyweight belt since a 69-second knockout of Sergei Pavlovich last year.

Teixeira

Interestingly, Aspinall opened as a -135 favorite in a yet-to-be-announced scrap with the consensus GOAT of MMA.

Teixeira

Paul Craig Saw ‘Progress’ In UFC 309 Loss To Bo Nickal: ‘Every Setback Is Just Setup For A Comeback’

UFC middleweight Paul Craig hasn’t lost confidence despite falling to another defeat this past weekend. Craig marked the latest challenge for undefeated prospect Bo Nickal at Saturday’s UFC 309 pay-per-view. The Scotsman joined the likes of Cody Brundage and Val Woodburn on the list of those unable to blemish the decorated wrestler’s MMA record. The […]

UFC middleweight Paul Craig hasn’t lost confidence despite falling to another defeat this past weekend.

Craig marked the latest challenge for undefeated prospect Bo Nickal at Saturday’s UFC 309 pay-per-view. The Scotsman joined the likes of Cody Brundage and Val Woodburn on the list of those unable to blemish the decorated wrestler’s MMA record.

The two grappling specialists remained standing throughout their three-round affair, with Nickal edging a striking-only contest that frustrated the crowd in attendance at New York City’s Madison Square Garden.

For Craig, the result marked his third straight loss, leaves him 1-5 across his last six, and has pushed his middleweight record to a negative 1-4.

But although things may not have gone his way on fight night, “Bearjew” remains in good spirits and happy with the “progress” he felt was in display.

“Saturday night didn’t go as I envisioned, but every setback is just a setup for a comeback,” Craig wrote. “Progress is happening, and my resilience is my fuel. Here’s to the relentless pursuit of greatness! #bearjew #bearjewjitsu#setbacks #comebacks”

Craig, a formerly ranked light heavyweight contender, initially made a strong start at 185 pounds when he knocked out Andre Muniz. But a main event loss to Brendan Allen and brutal knockout setback at the hands of Caio Borralho left him out of the top 15.

Having fallen short of having his hand raised again, “Bearjew” is in desperate need of a rebound result next time out. And judging by his post-fight statement, he’s evidently confident that he’s moved in a good direction toward achieving that.

Mauricio Ruffy Names Another Desired Opponent After Saint Denis Callout At UFC 309

UFC lightweight prospect Mauricio Ruffy has names on his mind as he looks toward his third outing inside the Octagon. Ruffy made it two wins from two appearances on mixed martial arts’ biggest stage at this past weekend’s UFC 309 pay-per-view, where he got the better of late-notice replacement opponent James Llontop. As he did […]

UFC lightweight prospect Mauricio Ruffy has names on his mind as he looks toward his third outing inside the Octagon.

Ruffy made it two wins from two appearances on mixed martial arts’ biggest stage at this past weekend’s UFC 309 pay-per-view, where he got the better of late-notice replacement opponent James Llontop.

As he did on debut against James Llontop, the Fighting Nerds standout once again put his powerful and innovative striking on full display, most memorably flooring his opponent with a no-look uppercut in round two.

Having ultimately gone the distance and collected a comfortable decision victory, Ruffy is now on the radar of most as one to watch at 155 pounds moving forward.

The Brazilian, however, isn’t looking to remain a prospect rising the ranks for much longer.

During his Octagon interview, Ruffy called out a ranked contender in Benoît Saint Denis, who likely has to fight down the ladder next time out after losing consecutive bouts to Dustin Poirier and Renato Moicano.

During an interview with MMA Fighting, Ruffy added another name to his list of post-fight callouts, highlighting the formerly ranked King Green as an alternative option should a clash with “God of War” not come together.

“I’m very excited for a fight with Saint Denis,” Ruffy said. “I think that would be such a cool fight. Some people are advising me to go slow and whatnot, but everything I’ve been through in my life and career earns me that opportunity. The hype is nice, people are talking, and Saint Denis is coming off two losses, so it’s an interesting fight.

“Another fight that would also be very interesting is Bobby Green,” Ruffy continued. “I’d love to fight any of those two names. I’m hoping the UFC will send me a good name and we’ll fight soon. I’m taking a break now, but already thinking about fights.”

Green has long shown a willingness to face any and everyone, including young up-and-comers looking to earn a number next to their name at his expense.

That was the case just this past July when the veteran headed across the pond to face the challenge of Paddy Pimblett in Manchester, England. Green was unable to stall “The Baddy’s” rise, instead finding himself choked unconscious in one round.

Demetrious Johnson Breaks Down How Charles Oliveira Dominated Michael Chandler: ‘Almost A Checkmate’

After Michael Chandler’s attempt to pull a win out of the bag in the fifth round fell short, Charles Oliveira got his hand raised following a dominant performance in the co-main event at UFC 309. Prior to a chaotic end to the fight that had “Do Bronx” trying to survive, he won every round on […]

After Michael Chandler’s attempt to pull a win out of the bag in the fifth round fell short, Charles Oliveira got his hand raised following a dominant performance in the co-main event at UFC 309. Prior to a chaotic end to the fight that had “Do Bronx” trying to survive, he won every round on all three scorecards.

Just like in their first fight three years ago, the striking of Oliveira was very effective and at several points, it looked like he might finish Chandler for the second time. The difference this time around was that when the former lightweight champion had his opponent hurt or backed up to the fence, he implemented his grappling in order to avoid getting into a battle of wills with “Iron” Mike.

According to UFC Stats, Oliveira was successful with 5 of 12 takedown attempts, accumulating a total of 14 minutes and 52 seconds of control time which tells the story of this fight. A lot of that time was spent in a position that the Brazilian is a true master of as he consistently was able to take and control Chandler’s back.

In his post-fight breakdown on his YouTube channel, former UFC flyweight champion Demetrious Johnson gave his analysis of the lightweight contest that earned fight of the night honors. He specifically drew attention to the way that Oliveira was able to lock in a body triangle in order to dominate in these positions even if he was unable to find the submission.

“This is pretty much like almost a checkmate but it’s like a check because checkmate means end the game but it’s a check because one wrong move from here, Chandler getting choked out… Just a bad position for Michael Chandler to be in, very, very bad. It’s very, very f****** hard to get out of it especially your legs aren’t longer than your opponents. Trust me, I’ve been there before boys with somebody who’s way longer than me and I hate it.”