Bo Nickal Fires Back at Critics on The Ariel Helwani Show
Bo Nickal discusses his UFC return against Reinier de Ridder on The Ariel Helwani Show, addressing critics and Iowa rivalries. He also shares insights on training with Gordon Ryan and his views on the UFC Apex.
Bo Nickal on UFC Apex Opinions
In a recent episode of The Ariel Helwani Show, UFC middleweight Bo Nickal shared his candid thoughts on various topics surrounding his career and the sport. Starting around the 3:20 mark, Nickal discussed his perspective on the UFC Apex, the Las Vegas facility often used for smaller UFC events. He addressed defenders of the venue, offering his take on its role in the UFC landscape and how it impacts fighters and fans alike.
Tensions with Iowa Wrestling Community
At approximately the 7:30 timestamp, the conversation shifted to Nickal's ongoing beef with the Iowa wrestling community. As a former Penn State wrestling standout, he didn’t hold back in responding to the criticism and rivalry that has followed him into his MMA career. His comments shed light on the competitive history and personal motivations driving his responses to these detractors.
Upcoming Matchup with Reinier de Ridder
Nickal also delved into his highly anticipated return to the octagon on May 3 against Reinier de Ridder, starting at the 11:00 mark. He explained why he sees this fight as a logical step up in competition, highlighting de Ridder’s credentials as a former ONE Championship titleholder. Nickal expressed confidence in his preparation and readiness to face this challenge at UFC on ESPN 67 in Des Moines, Iowa.
Addressing UFC Rankings and Criticism
Around the 20:30 point of the discussion, Nickal tackled the topic of UFC rankings and the criticism he has faced from fans and analysts. He offered a direct response to his harshest critics, defending his record and approach to climbing the middleweight division. His remarks underscored his determination to prove doubters wrong through his performances inside the cage.
Training Insights with Gordon Ryan
Finally, towards the latter part of the interview at the 20:30 mark, Nickal shared details about his training experiences with grappling phenom Gordon Ryan. He discussed how these sessions have contributed to his growth as a fighter, particularly in enhancing his jiu-jitsu skills. This segment provided a glimpse into the rigorous preparation that underpins his transition from wrestling to mixed martial arts.
