“Where was the weaknesses?” Chael Sonnen questions the narrative of Bo Nickal ‘not being ready for top 10’ from UFC fighters

Chael Sonnen feels the argument against Bo Nickal facing top ten fighters does not have any concrete logic behind it.

“Where was the weaknesses?” Chael Sonnen questions the narrative of Bo Nickal ‘not being ready for top 10’ from UFC fighters

Chael Sonnen backs Bo Nickal to fight top ten ranked fighters (via Imago)

Chael Sonnen doesn’t understand the doubts regarding wrestling phenom Bo Nickal’s UFC success. After Nickal’s last performance, UFC veteran Henry Cejudo questioned the fighter’s capabilities to fight the top fighters in the division as of now. Sonnen recently made a video about it and cross-questioned Cejudo’s claims. 

Chael Sonnen explained that nothing specifically happened in the fight, which created problems for Nickal. It is not just Cejudo. Former middleweight champion Robert Whittaker also had a similar take. As such, Sonnen felt it became a narrative that did not have much logic. Hence, he questioned UFC fighters on what posed a problem to Nickal.

It wasn't a jab, it wasn't a cross… It wasn't high kicks, body kicks that gave Bo Problems because None of them happened. So regardless of the opponent is based on what you saw. Where were the weaknesses? Where were the holes? 
Chael Sonnen via YouTube 
YouTube video

Bo Nickal got a lot of criticism from fight fans when he was featured in the UFC 300 main card. Fans felt Aljamain Sterling or Jiri Prochazka should have received the main card spot instead of Nickal. At UFC 300, the college wrestling standout made a statement and defeated his opponent via a second-round submission. However, Nickal wasn’t impressed by his performance after the fight. 

FS Video

Nickal has fought thrice in the UFC, all in PPV events. The fighter has finished all of his opponents with ease. However, Cejudo claimed that Nickal had to be careful before fighting top fighters. On the other hand, Sonnen’s questioning is logical, and not everyone has clearly stated why Nickal should not fight in the top ten at the moment.  

Robert Whittaker dismisses Bo Nickal’s credentials to fight the top 10 middleweights

The UFC middleweight division is stacked top to bottom with absolute killers. Getting a shot at the top fighters isn’t that easy at all. After his UFC 300 fight,  Bo Nickal immediately called out the top fighters. However, former divisional champion Robert Whittaker doesn’t think that’s a wise move.

Robert Whittaker wasn't impressed with Bo Nickal's performance
Robert Whittaker wasn’t impressed with Bo Nickal’s performance (via Facts.net/Forbes)

Whittaker claimed that Nickal showed a lot of holes in his game at UFC 300. The former champion expressed caution for the decorated college wrestler and wanted improvements before facing top ten ranked fighters. 

I think we saw some potential holes in Bo Nickal’s game. Bo Nickal finally got a guy that he couldn't just do what he wanted with. I think he’s got some work to do before he’s ready to fight top 10 dudes.
Robert Whittaker via MMArcade

Whittaker is currently scheduled to fight at UFC Saudi against Khamzat Chimaev, someone whom Nickal once called out. Nevertheless, given the push Nickal is getting, it won’t be surprising to see these fighters fighting each other soon.

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