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 constructive for his profession.
“It’s been loopy, however I believe there’s been numerous reflection,” Nickal instructed Ariel Helwani. “Initially, after the battle, clearly, I used to be very dissatisfied, very annoyed with myself, and I believe that I simply am actually glad that I’ve an awesome basis of values and issues that individuals have taught me. I don’t actually really feel that the objective or myself, or something, has modified.
“It’s unlucky to form of need to expertise that, as a result of I hate dropping, however even now, having gone by many, many losses previously and feeling like these have been among the largest catalyzing moments in my life and my profession, I’m already very grateful for it. I believe that that is nothing however a studying alternative and expertise that I believe 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 severe 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 mandatory in a battle of this stage.
“I felt tremendous assured going into the battle. I believe that in my thoughts, previous to, I did all the things that I wanted to do to organize to win the battle,” Nickal stated. “I felt nice. I believe that now, having seemed again, and gone by that, that I wasn’t as ready as I assumed. There was numerous issues that I might have completed higher previous to, and numerous issues that I might have targeted on and completed in a different way. …
“I believe that it’s robust to have the ability to predict all the things or attempt to assume what’s going to occur in a battle as a result of I don’t have years and years and years underneath my belt of reps and feeling totally different kinds. So after I have a look at that battle, and among the issues that have been form of his largest positives within the battle 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 overtly about his objectives and talents. That type of swaggering confidence tends to rub some individuals the incorrect approach, and after Nickal misplaced, followers and fellow fighters flocked to celebrate Nickal’s serving of “humble pie.” However Nickal wouldn’t change a factor.
“I don’t remorse a single factor,” Nickal stated. “I consider in myself one hundred pc, and I’ll guess on myself each single time. I believe {that a} win or a loss doesn’t outline me. I’ve been capable of win lots and lose only a few occasions, 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 may by no means go away, it doesn’t matter what. Anyone can say no matter they need, and the consequence might 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 wish 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 way in which again, and I used to be like, ‘I wish to battle ASAP. Let’s go get again into it.’ However I believe I’ll speak with the coaches and see what’s finest,” Nickal stated. “I’ve acquired to get again to one hundred pc, and really feel like I can put a coaching camp collectively, however we’ll see. I want to battle a pair extra occasions this 12 months, so getting again as shortly as potential can be good for me.”
