Following UFC 309, the aftermath of Bo Nickal’s victory over Paul Craig stirred up not just discussions about the fight but also provoked fierce commentary from former UFC fighter Darren Till. Nickal, who recently celebrated a win that improved his record to 7-0 in mixed martial arts, appeared before a Madison Square Garden audience that expected more from this rising star. Despite his talent on the mat, the bout revealed some weaknesses in Nickal’s striking ability. This lackluster performance drew the ire of Till, who wasted no time in publicly criticizing Nickal’s fighting style and persona.
The animosity between Till and Nickal is not a new phenomenon; it stretches back to September 2022 when Till initially called out Nickal for a fight. At the time, Nickal dismissed Till’s challenge while mocking him for his own grappling defeats, particularly at the hands of Derek Brunson. This initial exchange set the stage for their ongoing rivalry. Even without an active role in the UFC anymore, Till’s comments reflect a deep-seated competitiveness. He took a direct shot at Nickal via social media, calling him the “ginger ninja” and questioning his legitimacy as a fighter who hasn’t yet faced an opponent with a winning record.
While it’s not uncommon for fighters to engage in trash-talking, Till’s remarks reveal a darker side to this rivalry. He didn’t only aim at Nickal’s in-cage performance; he also criticized his cooking videos, indicating that his distaste goes beyond fighting. This taunting crosses a line into personal territory, suggesting that Till perceives Nickal not just as a competitor but as someone who embodies a persona that’s grating to him. Such confrontations often elevate the stakes for both fighters, leading to heightened tension and the potential for a grudge match in the future.
Till wasn’t alone in his defense of Khamzat Chimaev, another fighter who has drawn comments from Nickal. It appears that the MMA community values loyalty among fighters in their camp, as seen when Till fervently defended Chimaev against Nickal’s criticisms of his wrestling. The interactions on Twitter encapsulate a bitter rivalry but also highlight how narratives are shaped in the world of MMA. Comments from established commentators like Daniel Cormier further complicate matters, with Till siding with Cormier during a discussion about Nickal’s readiness to face top fighters like Chimaev.
This feud between Till and Nickal is likely far from over. Both fighters are vocal, with social media serving as an ongoing platform for their exchanges. Given the nature of the sport, it’s reasonable to assume that an eventual match may be on the horizon, especially if Nickal continues to rise through the ranks of the UFC while Till seeks a comeback. Their rivalry illustrates the passion and drama that make MMA so compelling, serving as a reminder that the sport is as much about personality and rivalry as it is about technique and strategy. The fans will undoubtedly be waiting with bated breath for the next chapter in this escalating feud.