UFC 285 was indeed packed with excitement with the debut of yet another rising fighter, Bo Nickal. He was pitted against Jamie Pickett. The Penn State wrestler scored his third victory by submission in his MMA career. However, Pickett’s rep, LaMont Chappell, informed the media to file an appeal with the Nevada State Athletic Commission in order to overturn the outcome of the fight into a no-contest. The 34-year-old’s team backed the appeal with claims of an illegal shot to the groin. Although Nickal denied the accusations, the latter’s team stood strong.
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However, the NSAC Executive Director claimed that they could not find any indisputable evidence in the supplied video angles. Moreover, he stated that the officials could not overturn the result without a piece of indisputable video evidence. Undeniably, as the news spread through social media, fans were split into two factions. While one faction supported Pickett’s appeal, the other went to Nickal.
NSAC responds to Jamie Pickett’s appeal
The fight between Pickett and Nickal ended with a submission by the debutant with an arm triangle in the first round. However, the 34-year-old’s team rep claimed that it was possible only because of an illegal groin shot. The rep informed MMA Junkie about his plan to challenge the result of the fight.
Later, the NSAC Executive Director, Jeff Mullen, informed MMA Fighting that Pickett was welcome to make the appeal. However, he also revealed that the NSAC indeed reviewed the fight, but did not find any strong evidence.
Furthermore, he wrote a text message that read, “The review official cannot overturn the in-cage referees decision without indisputable video evidence.”
Unquestionably, this saddened the veteran fighter. He said, “I just kind of felt like no one gave a damn about me or what I was doing. They just wanted him to look good and you know he’s bringing the money, and I mean, I ain’t hating on nobody, I get it, you know, I’m expendable, he’s not, it is what it is. But I wish I could have capitalized the way I wanted to. But hey, I don’t want nothing bad for the guy.”
Bo Nickal replies to the accusations
During the post-fight press conference, a reporter asked Nickal about his opinion on Pickett‘s team filing a grievance related to the illegal shot. the 4-0 record holder simply denied it and claimed that he did not want to win that way. He disclosed that he hit his opponent on the leg. Furthermore, he claimed that he wasn’t a cheater.
Nickal said, “I’m not a cheater and take shortcuts and if I did hit him low, I would’ve relaxed, probably. Or just like, let the referee stop it. But I didn’t hit him low at all.”
Nevertheless, the decision to appeal still lies with Pickett. The proceeding of the case depends on that sole decision.
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Do you think the NSAC should overturn the outcome to a no-contest? Let us know in the comments down below.
