“I think of it in sporting sense,” USA Wrestling phenom Bo Nickal explains why takedowns matter in the MMA scoring system

Bo Nickal gives his take on the importance of takedowns in the judges scoring cards and how it affected the UFC 297 main event.

“I think of it in sporting sense,” USA Wrestling phenom Bo Nickal explains why takedowns matter in the MMA scoring system

Bo Nickal analyses the impact of takedowns on the judges' score cards (via YouTube)

Decorated college wrestler Bo Nickal discussed the significance of takedowns in the MMA scoring system. This happened during a recent episode of the Nickals and Dimes podcast. The chat also included a recap of the weekend’s fights. Special emphasis was put on Sean Strickland’s tough matchup with Dricus Du Plessis at UFC 297.

Bo Nickal is recognized for his successful collegiate wrestling record and transition to professional MMA. He discussed the importance of takedowns in the scoring system. His co-host started talking about Du Plessis’ takedowns on Sean Strickland. The co-host believed that Dricus did nothing with those takedowns; thus, Strickland should have won. This is what Nickal replied:

I think of more in a sporting sense because those are a part of the scoring system. It’s effective striking, effective defense, cage control, takedowns like that is part of the scoring system... I do see the precedent on that scoring.
Bo Nickal via YouTube
YouTube video

Bo Nickal’s analysis of the Strickland vs. Du Plessis bout gave depth to the show. His ability to explain the complexities of the MMA scoring system, notably the significance of takedowns, was commendable. This exemplified the analytical attitude that makes him an important voice in the MMA world.

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MMA fans anxiously await future episodes of this podcast. It’s apparent that talks conducted by skilled athletes and experts help to deepen their enthusiasm and comprehension of the sport. Nickal will return to the octagon for UFC 300 and face Cody Brundage at the event.

Bo Nickal talks analyzes Round 2 of Sean Strickland vs. Dricus Du Plessis

In the same episode of the podcast, Bo Nickal delved into the analytics of the second round of the UFC 297 main event. He presented audiences with an analytical examination of the action inside the octagon. Nickal, a former collegiate wrestling star and a rising MMA star, contributed a fresh viewpoint.

Bo Nickal talks about the Round 2 of Sean Strickland vs. Dricus Du Plessis
Bo Nickal talks about Round 2 of Sean Strickland vs. Dricus Du Plessis (via talkSport/ESPN/YouTube)

Talking about the second round of the fight, Nickal believed that Strickland won that round easily. He felt Du Plessis was getting outstriked the entire round, even though he landed a takedown. Nickal’s perspective was that Du Plessis’ ground control was insufficient to offset Strickland’s striking in round 2. This is what he had to say:

In Round 2, Sean‘s striking was more effective overall than the takedowns that Dricus got. That is why I give him Round 2 because I feel like overall he was more effective in the round when you look at everything.
Bo Nickal via YouTube

Bo Nickal’s analysis of Round 2 serves as an instructional tool for fight fans. It increases their understanding of the technical aspects of the sport. Nickal sums up that ground control remains crucial for wrestling takedowns. The MMA world anticipates more breakdowns from Nickal and his contributions to fight analysis.

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