402: Discipline, Dedication, Hard Work, and Winning. With 3x NCAA Wrestling Champion and UFC Fighter, Bo Nickal
Sep 6, 2023
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Bo Nickal, a three-time NCAA champion wrestler turned UFC fighter, shares his inspiring journey from wrestling to mixed martial arts. He reveals how discipline and hard work shaped his success and discusses the impact of family support on athletic pursuits. The conversation highlights the importance of balancing sports with education and the mental toughness needed for high-stress competitions. Nickal also candidly reflects on personal experiences, including an amusing skateboard incident that tested his resilience and preparation for the UFC.
Finding a new goal can rekindle motivation in challenging times.
Balancing enjoyment and competitiveness leads to more joy and continuous improvement.
Resilience and faith are crucial for overcoming obstacles and pressure in wrestling.
Having a solid foundation and understanding fundamentals are essential in striking.
Maintaining a strong wrestling foundation is important in transitioning to MMA.
Deep dives
High School Success and College Recruitment
In high school, the summary individual was a state champion in wrestling by their sophomore year. They competed in various tournaments and had a high ranking in the country for their weight class. College coaches began reaching out and showing interest in recruiting the individual, with visits and unofficial visits to several universities, such as Virginia, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, and Ohio State. However, the individual ultimately chose to commit to Penn State after visiting the campus and connecting with the coaches, despite not receiving a full scholarship offer from the university.
Overcoming Loss and Finding New Motivation
After experiencing a devastating loss in the previous year, the wrestler reflects on the need for a new goal to rekindle motivation. He chooses to challenge himself by moving up a weight class and sets his sights on winning the toughest weight in the country. Through faith and gratitude, he learns to focus on enjoying the process rather than solely pursuing results in his wrestling career.
A Shift in Mindset: Balancing Fun and Winning
The wrestler realizes the importance of balancing enjoyment and competitiveness in his approach to wrestling. He embraces the mindset of having fun, being grateful, and pushing himself to do what others are not willing to do. The shift in mindset allows him to experience more joy in the sport and focus on continuous improvement, rather than solely on winning.
Lessons in Resilience and Faith
Through challenging moments, such as overcoming injuries and facing tough opponents, the wrestler learns the value of resilience and faith. He learns to rely on his faith and embrace the idea of inviting God into his wrestling journey. By integrating his faith into his wrestling career, he finds peace, eliminates unnecessary pressure, and focuses on being the best wrestler he can be.
Summary of the podcast episode
The podcast episode features the speaker recalling his experiences in wrestling, his transition to MMA, and his UFC debut. He shares anecdotes about his matches, including his nervousness, training routines, and the importance of good coaching. He also discusses his mindset and the pressure he feels to perform well. Despite facing challenges and injuries, he remains focused on his goals and is determined to succeed in his MMA career.
The Impact of Nerves and Pressure in Competing
The speaker admits to feeling nervous before his matches, specifically in the UFC. The pressure of performing well and the fear of getting knocked out affects him emotionally. However, he mentions that he tries to channel those nerves into positive energy to fuel his performance.
Training and Preparing for Fights
The speaker outlines his training routines, including warming up before fights and going through a detailed process to reach his fight weight. He emphasizes the importance of focusing on fundamentals, building a strong base, and maintaining good habits. He also acknowledges the role of athleticism and agility in his performance.
The Importance of Solid Foundation and Fundamentals in Striking
In this podcast episode, the importance of having a solid foundation and understanding the fundamentals in striking is emphasized. The speaker highlights the significance of being in a good position, understanding range, and having agility in order to effectively execute strikes. It is noted that being sound fundamentally in defense and having a versatile jab are essential in striking. The focus is on prioritizing strong basics rather than trying to execute complicated combinations that might not be applicable in a real fight.
Balancing Wrestling and MMA Training
In this podcast episode, the speaker discusses the balance between wrestling training and preparing for mixed martial arts (MMA) fights. The importance of maintaining a strong wrestling foundation is highlighted, with the speaker emphasizing the need to use wrestling skills in MMA. The speaker shares their personal training routine, including wrestling with college wrestlers and adjusting their style to be applicable to MMA. The speaker also mentions incorporating regular grappling sessions with specific training partners who share the goal of improving in MMA. The episode concludes with the speaker discussing their upcoming fight schedule and the need to consider personal commitments, such as the birth of their child, when planning fight dates.
Considered one of the most accomplished Nittany Lions of all-time, Nickal earned the 2019 Dan Hodge Trophy as the nation's most outstanding collegiate wrestler, was a two-time Schalles Award winner as the nation's best pinner and was also named the 2019 Big Ten Athlete of the Year.
