Bo Nickal vs. Paul Craig Prediction, Time, Odds: UFC 309

Bo Nickal and Paul Craig meet Saturday in the UFC 309 main card at Madison Square Garden in New York. Check out this quick review of the matchup from MMA Junkie analyst Dan Tom.

Last Event: 4-1
UFC Main Card, 2024: 95-89-3

Bo Nickal vs. Paul Craig UFC 309 preview

After earning a main card opening spot on the historic UFC 300 card earlier this year, the promotion is back to spotlight Nickal (6-0 MMA, 3-0 UFC), the former three-time NCAA national champion wrestler, in the featured bout at UFC 309 from Madison Square Garden. Nickal has cruised through his first three UFC fights, most recently submitting Cody Brundage in the second round last April. … Craig (17-8-1 MMA, 9-8-1 UFC) is looking to play spoiler after losing back-to-back fights to Brendan Allen and most recently Caio Borralho in May at UFC 301.

Bo Nickal vs. Paul Craig UFC 309 Expert Picks, Predictions

The UFC continues to test Nickal steadily by giving him the spoiler machine in Craig.

Not only does Craig somewhat surprisingly have a positive 4-2 record against southpaws, but the Scot owns wins over some of the top names in the light heavyweight division in Magomed Ankalaev and Jamahal Hill.

That said, Criag’s strengths have been known for some time, and fighters are getting better at avoiding it.

While Nickal is clearly a top-level wrestler who is falling in love with the submission game, the American southpaw has proven to have some punch and power on the feet that is worthy of respect.

I’d love to be wrong here, but I suspect Nickal will find a way to create a stoppage via strikes in round 2.

Bo Nickal vs. Paul Craig UFC 309 odds

The oddsmakers and the public are heavily in favor of the American fighter, with Nickal (-1700) and Craig (+730) listings via FanDuel.

Bo Nickal vs. Paul Craig UFC 309 start time, how to watch

As the featured match, Nickal and Craig are expected to go to the cage at approximately 11:15 PM ET. The fight will flow on ESPN+.