Morning Report: Daniel Cormier responds to Bo Nickal, nonetheless believes UFC shouldn’t ‘rush him into fights’

Daniel Cormier has no regrets about his commentary about Bo Nickal.

This previous weekend, Nickal picked up a tepid determination win over Paul Craig within the featured primary card bout of UFC 309. The most important betting favourite on the cardboard, Nickal out-pointed Craig over quarter-hour in a efficiency that lead Cormier and the commentary workforce to recommend Nickal won’t be able to face the likes of Khamzat Chimaev simply but, which in flip drew Nickal’s ire. However Cormier stands by it.

“Bo Nickal is a bit upset concerning the commentary throughout the battle final week,” Cormier stated on his YouTube channel. “I’ve received to be trustworthy, this one took me a bit bit abruptly, as a result of I do like Bo, and I do imagine that sooner or later he’s going to be a champion.

“Bo stated he took offense to the commentary, however I believe he’s a bit misguided,” Cormier stated. “ … I believe he might have misunderstood what I’m attempting to say. What I’m extra attempting to say on this battle is let’s not rush him into fights with individuals which can be way more skilled, way more battle examined, way more able to compete on the highest degree. As a result of it looks like a kind of conditions the place a younger man who has proven a lot promise will get a bit bit fast-tracked. We have now seen this time and time once more, the place an athlete comes onto the scene, they accomplish that nicely initially that they get overwhelmed since you don’t know what to do with him.”

Cormier and the commentary workforce weren’t the one ones important of Nickal’s efficiency. The standout collegiate wrestler was the largest betting favourite on the cardboard however his lackluster effort additionally led followers to loudly boo and even begin and “overrated” chant throughout the bout.

For Cormier, it’s not a problem of being “overrated” however of growth. Nickal is simply three years into his MMA profession and the educational curve has been steep up to now.

“It’s a giant bounce from Bo’s first opponent, Val Woodburn to [Cody] Brundage to Paul Craig,” Cormier stated. “That’s how good he has performed in that brief time frame that they’ve already jumped him to a man that’s overwhelmed a world champion and submitted the No. 1 contender at mild heavyweight. It felt like a kind of conditions the place Bo Nickal was going to get fast-tracked, and he would discover himself overwhelmed, in over his head, and no be capable of assist it.

“Folks have already began to match him to Khamzat Chimaev, how do they stack up, can he wrestle him, can he do that? That’s not an actual factor! It’s not an actual factor! I’m not saying he’s not prepared for Khamzat as a result of I don’t suppose he ever will probably be prepared for Khamzat, proper now he simply isn’t.”

Happily, Nickal is unlikely to face Chimaev any time quickly. “Borz” is probably subsequent in line for a middleweight title shot whereas Nickal stays exterior of the rankings at this level. And for Cormier, significantly after seeing how Nickal dealt with the response to his battle, is for the most effective.

“Bo Nickal has now seen the other aspect of fame,” Cormier stated. “I’m wondering how he’s going to deal with negativity coming his route. I wasn’t unfavorable. I’ve no drawback with Bo Nickal. I imagine he’s going to be wonderful. I don’t have an issue with the efficiency. I believed he fought very well, however there’s room for enchancment. Everyone stated it! Let’s simply take our time. We don’t have to rush him, that’s all I’m saying.”

And for what it’s price, Nickal appears to agree. After Cormier dropped his video, Nickal responded by way of social media, saying he and “DC” are on the identical web page and squashing any potential beef between the 2.

Ache. Michael Chandler says UFC 309 battle with Charles Oliveira was “essentially the most ache I’ve ever been in.”

$$$$$. BKFC President David Feldman teases $25 million prize for upcoming match.

Struggle. Jake and Logan Paul talk about a possible future battle between them.

Faceoff. Petr Yan reveals what he informed Deiveson Figueiredo throughout their first face off for UFC Macau.

Unhappy. Vicente Luque reacts to a different Nick Diaz battle cancellation.

Medicals. Stipe Miocic receives 60 days medical suspension following UFC 309.

Rankings. How have the newest heavyweight rankings fallen after UFC 309? Examine them out.

Petr Yan interview.

Rashad Evans interview.

UFC 309 Struggle Movement.

Michael Bisping within the new Den of Thieves 2 trailer.

MixedMollyWhoppery on Tyson vs. Paul.

(Nearly) no regrets.

“Development and maturity” says the person who modified his title to Jonny Meat.

Sensible man.

Good vibes.

Poor Gamrot.

Chris Weidman (16-7) vs. Eryk Anders (16-8); UFC 310, Dec. 7.

Usman Nurmagomedov (18-0, 1 NC) vs. Paul Hughes (13-1); PFL, Jan. 25.

Not gonna lie, type of an ick that Bo Nickal can’t simply come clean with that battle being a stinker. I imply, I perceive that fighters are all delusional, however Cormier is true: he’s not prepared. That’s no knock on Nickal, who solely has seven skilled fights, it’s only a assertion of reality. And Nickal appearing like that Craig efficiency was one thing to jot down house about is off placing, for me at the very least.

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