The UFC is stepping back in time by reintroducing its classic glove design. This particular decision has sparked excitement and curiosity among fans and fighters alike. Known for their slightly rounded shape, the old gloves are being brought back after the new ones resulted in fewer knockouts and more fights ending in decisions. However, switching the new gloves out for the old ones have had fans scrutinize the move on Dana White’s part, with some even speculating the UFC head honcho making this decision keeping the heavyweight champion Jon Jones in mind.

Jon Jones is headlining the UFC 309 main card alongside Stipe Miocic. On the card is also middleweight fighter Paul Craig, who is set to take on Bo Nickal in the main card. The 36-year-old grappling master has four knockouts on his record and will look for his fifth against Bo Nickal on the main card. What does he exactly feel about the change in gloves? Let us find out about it below.

Paul Craig questions Dana White’s decision to bring back the old gloves

Ahead of UFC 309, DanaWhite and his team decided to return to the older version of UFC gloves for the fights. This move came after months of mixed reviews from fighters and fans regarding the new gloves, which were introduced earlier this year. During the UFC 309 media day, one of the topics of discussion was the return of old gloves at the event. Craig shared his honest opinion on the whole and said, “I have not had the experience of using the new gloves yet. Looking at the data I think they are saying that it reduces knockouts. I believe that’s probably a factor for them bringing in the old gloves. If it’s not broke why change it? I am happy using both new and old.” 

While Craig doesn’t have an issue with Dana White’s decision to bring back the old gloves, many fans accused the UFC head honcho of favoring Jon Jones with the move. The heavyweight champion welcomed the idea of bringing back the old gloves, expressing it as a ‘major relief’ for him and his coaches. For Paul Craig, wearing gloves that will increase his likelihood of securing a KO is an added bonus.

Paul Craig is pretty aware of the fact that he is up against one of the most talented fighters in the division. The 28-year-old Bo Nickal, a dominant former NCAA wrestling champion, is on a roll in the division and is unbeaten in his UFC career. Craig is a dangerous Jiu Jitsu practitioner with 13 submission victories in his career spanning 26 fights. However, trying to take on Nickal in a grappling exchange is definitely not a good idea. So what exactly should the 36-year-old do ensure a victory over the surging Bo Nickal?

Paul Craig knows exactly what needs to be done in his next fight against Bo Nickal

Looking at his recent form, the 28-year-old Bo Nickal looks absolutely unbeatable at the moment. With credentials as an NCAA Division-1 wrestler, Nickal has proved himself as a grappler and striker, owing to his pressure-heavy, dominant performances in the Octagon. However, he is up against a fighter who is vastly experienced as a submission expert himself.

During a recent interview with the ‘Leather’d podcast,’ the 36-year-old shared his game plan for the fight. Craig believes he cannot match up tp him in terms of wrestling skills. However, he is working on other aspects to help him give an edge against Nickal. He said, “So with someone like Bo Nickal you’re not going to learn to wrestle like him within a fight camp. So it’s wise to say that yep I’m going to be working on these wrestling defenses. But what I should be working on is good footwork, good striking and good grappling, and that’s key to victory. We’re not gonna out-wrestle him, we’re going to out-MMA him.”.

For Bo Nickal, a win over Paul Craig just boosts his profile as a fighter, and will elevate him up the ranking, moving him closer to fan favorite matchups in the middleweight division. For Craig, a loss could move him closer to further towards exiting the promotion, with him going 1-4 in his last five.

Will Paul Craig be able to get past the challenge of Bo Nickal at UFC 309 in Madison Square Garden? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.