Wrestling standout Bo Nickal reflects on UFC debut win: 'I could've done a lot of things better'

LAS VEGAS – Bo Nickal is happy, but critical of his first win inside the octagon.

The wrestling standout successfully made his UFC debut Saturday in the opening bout of the pay-per-view main card of UFC 285 at T-Mobile Arena in. Nickal (4-0 MMA, 1-0 UFC) defetaed Jamie Pickett (13-9 MMA, 2-5 UFC) by submission in the first round.

It was a memorable moment for the 27-year-old, and one he admittedly was nervous about.

“There’s always nerves,” Nickal told reporters at the UFC 285 post-fight press conference. “Anytime you’re going to do something like this, I think anyone that says there’s no nerves, they’re just trying to act like a cool guy. I feel a lot of nerves. Luckily, I had a ton of experiences like this through wrestling and wrestling on big stages that I had the opportunity to at Penn State.

“I would guess just to recap my experience, I was back in the tunnel and I felt very serious, like, ‘All right, let’s get this done. Let’s take care of business.’ And as soon as I walked out, I heard the fans screaming and cheering and everyone wanted to high-five me and I just wanted to smile because that was so cool to get that support. I just wanted to embrace that and enjoy that moment.”

Although Nickal got a quick stoppage win to keep his stay undefeated, the blue-chip prospect is a bit critical of his performance. Even though dominant, Nickal said he saw many areas in which he can improve

“I could’ve done a lot of things better,” Nickal said. “I was just talking with my coach and I have to stop throwing high kicks right away because two out of my four fights, I’ve fallen on my butt like a dummy. Yeah, that was fun. A little split there.

“I think overall was as expected – not exceptional. It was as expected. I’m grateful to go out there and not get hit and get the win.”

For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC 285.