Bo Nickal is taking his first UFC loss in stride.
This previous weekend, Nickal suffered the primary defeat of his MMA profession when he was stopped by Reiner de Ridder within the co-main occasion of UFC Des Moines. It was an surprising loss given how a lot hype Nickal had as a prospect, however one Nickal says he’s already taking a look at as a optimistic for his profession.
“It’s been loopy, however I feel there’s been numerous reflection,” Nickal advised Ariel Helwani. “Initially, after the combat, clearly, I used to be very upset, very annoyed with myself, and I feel that I simply am actually glad that I’ve a terrific basis of values and issues that folks have taught me. I don’t actually really feel that the purpose or myself, or something, has modified.
“It’s unlucky to form of must expertise that, as a result of I hate dropping, however even now, having gone by means of many, many losses up to now and feeling like these have been a few of the greatest catalyzing moments in my life and my profession, I’m already very grateful for it. I feel that that is nothing however a studying alternative and expertise that I feel will simply assist me develop and enhance, and get higher.”
Whereas the loss was an upset to many, Nickal stated he knew de Ridder posed a critical menace to him and was adamant he didn’t overlook “The Dutch Knight” in his preparation. The reality, Nickal stated, is that he lacked the expertise obligatory in a combat of this stage.
“I felt tremendous assured going into the combat. I feel that in my thoughts, previous to, I did every part that I wanted to do to organize to win the combat,” Nickal stated. “I felt nice. I feel that now, having regarded again, and gone by means of that, that I wasn’t as ready as I believed. There was numerous issues that I may have executed higher previous to, and numerous issues that I may have centered on and executed in another way. …
“I feel that it’s powerful to have the ability to predict every part or attempt to assume what’s going to occur in a combat as a result of I don’t have years and years and years below my belt of reps and feeling totally different types. So once I take a look at that combat, and a few of the issues that have been form of his greatest positives within the combat on his facet, these have been issues I wasn’t ready for.”
A 3-time NCAA Division I nationwide champion (and one-time runner-up), Nickal was seen as one of many brightest prospects to enter the game in years when he made the transition to MMA in 2021. And Nickal did nothing to decrease the hype, speaking openly about his objectives and skills. That type of swaggering confidence tends to rub some folks the unsuitable manner, and after Nickal misplaced, followers and fellow fighters flocked to have fun Nickal’s serving of “humble pie.” However Nickal wouldn’t change a factor.
“I don’t remorse a single factor,” Nickal stated. “I imagine in myself 100%, and I’ll guess on myself each single time. I feel {that a} win or a loss doesn’t outline me. I’ve been in a position to win quite a bit and lose only a few instances, and I don’t outline myself by the losses, I don’t outline myself by the wins. I simply have a perception in myself that can by no means go away, it doesn’t matter what. Anyone can say no matter they need, and the outcome may be what it’s, however I’m nonetheless going to get up each morning and go after my objectives, and produce it each single day.
“I’m completely assured in my talents nonetheless, and this loss does nothing however encourage me much more.”
As for what comes subsequent, Nickal doesn’t have particular plans, however he does need to get again within the cage quickly to scrub this dropping style out of his mouth.
“I used to be speaking with Coach Mike [Brown] on the best way again, and I used to be like, ‘I need to combat ASAP. Let’s go get again into it.’ However I feel I’ll discuss with the coaches and see what’s greatest,” Nickal stated. “I’ve bought to get again to 100%, and really feel like I can put a coaching camp collectively, however we’ll see. I want to combat a pair extra instances this 12 months, so getting again as rapidly as doable could be good for me.”
