Bo Nickal, one of the most highly anticipated newcomers in the UFC, recently spoke about his measured approach to his career, responding to fans who expected him to jump into more frequent fights.
Known for his impressive wrestling background, Nickal transitioned to MMA only recently, showcasing powerful performances early on. But despite the buzz around him, some fans have voiced concerns that he’s not as active in the octagon as they’d hoped. Addressing this on Demetrious Johnson’s podcast, Nickal made it clear that, for him, growth and skill-building are more important than chasing fast fame.
UFC Star Bo Nickal Addresses Inactivity Ahead of UFC 309
“I’ve fought six times in just over two years. Is that inactive? I wouldn’t say so,” he explained.
For Nickal, the path he’s taking is intentional. Instead of racking up quick wins, he’s focused on mastering the full range of MMA skills to build a well-rounded fighting style. Unlike fighters who began cross-training in MMA from a young age, Nickal’s early years were dedicated solely to wrestling, and he’s now putting in work to bridge the gaps in striking and jiu-jitsu.
This growth, he noted, often happens in the gym rather than the octagon, as he sharpens techniques and refines his approach. Some fans may want to see him climb the ranks faster, but Nickal remains focused on a solid foundation that will prepare him for top-level competition.
“I feel that I can compete with the best in the world right now,” he said. “But I don’t want it to be close. When I fight for the belt, I want people to see that the other guy isn’t on my level.”
Bo Nickal Focusing on Development
Johnson, a UFC veteran himself, supported Nickal’s approach, recalling his own journey, which involved years of training across kickboxing, Muay Thai, and jiu-jitsu. He highlighted how different Nickal’s path has been, coming from a pure wrestling background and choosing to develop his MMA skills at a pace that feels right for him.
Nickal also discussed the pressure he feels from fans who may not fully understand what it takes to become a top-level fighter. While some criticize him for his pace, he’s determined to work on his terms, staying true to his process rather than rushing into the spotlight prematurely.
“I don’t have a timeline,” Nickal shared. “I’ll keep going until I feel I’ve accomplished what I need in this sport.”
No Timeline on Career
There’s also the reality that fans don’t often see the day-to-day effort that goes into developing the complete skill set required for MMA success, which can lead to misunderstandings. Nickal’s journey from wrestling to MMA requires patience and adaptability, but he’s confident that this steady path will ultimately serve him well.
As he heads into his upcoming fight against Paul Craig at UFC 309, Nickal’s commitment to this balanced approach will be put to the test. Craig, known for his wins over seasoned fighters, represents a significant step up in competition. For fans and experts alike, this matchup will reveal whether Nickal’s deliberate pace is preparing him to handle higher-level opponents.
Do you feel Bo Nickal has been inactive? Or has he been taking the correct approach? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!
Featured image credits to Embed from Getty Images
