Bo Nickal is roaming the first UFC loss.
This past weekend, Nikkal suffered the first defeat of MMA’s career when he was stopped by Liner Drider in the UFC Des Moines co-main event. It was an unexpected loss considering how much hype Nikkal was making as a prospect, but one Nikkal says he already thinks he is positive about his career.
“It was crazy, but I think there was a lot of remorse,” Nikkal told Ariel Herwani. “In the beginning, after the fight, obviously, I was very disappointed and very annoyed with myself. I’m really pleased that there’s a great foundation for the values and things people have taught me. I don’t feel like my goals, my self or anything has changed.
“It’s a shame that I have to go through that, but I still have experienced so many losses in the past and feel that they are some of the biggest catalyst moments in my life and career. I’m already very grateful for it.
Although the loss was angry with many, Nikkal said he had asserted that he knew that De Ridar would pose a serious threat to him and that he had not overlooked the “Dutch Knight” in his preparation. The truth is that he lacked the experience needed to fight this level.
“I felt confident in my mind that I had the confidence to enter into the fight. I think I did everything in my mind that I needed to prepare myself to win the fight,” Nikkal said. “I felt good. Looking back now, I think I was going through it, not as prepared as I thought I was. There were so many things I could have done before and focused on what I had differently.
“I think it’s hard to predict everything or try to assume what happens in a fight, because I’ve never been under the belt of the person in charge, and when I see that fight, some of the biggest positives of his fight on his side were things I wasn’t ready.”
Nickal, the NCAA Division I National Champion (and one-time runner-up), was considered one of the brightest prospects to join sports in the year that moved to MMA in 2021. Such astonishing confidence tended to rub some people the wrong way, and after Nikkal was defeated, fans and fellow fighters flocked to celebrate Nikkal’s “humble pie” serving. But Nikkar doesn’t change things.
“I don’t regret one thing,” Nikkal said. “I believe in myself 100% and I bet on myself every time. I don’t think victory or loss defines me. I can’t lose with lots of victory, I can’t define myself by loss. I don’t define myself by victory. Days.
“I’m still completely confident in my abilities. This loss is nothing more than motivating me.”
Nikkal has no specific plans for what comes next, but he wants to quickly return to his cage and wash this lost taste out of his mouth.
“I was talking to Coach Mike (Brown) on the way home and he said, “I want to fight as soon as possible. Let’s go back.” But I think I’m talking to the coach and seeing what’s best,” Nikkal said. “I feel I need to go back to 100% and I can put together my training camp, but we can see. I want to fight a few more times this year, so it’s good for me to go back as soon as possible.”