JRE MMA Show #151 with Bo Nickal

This podcast features an engaging conversation between Joe Rogan and Bo Nickal, a rising star in the UFC middleweight division. The episode explores Nickal’s transition from wrestling to MMA, his unique training approach, and his thoughts on the future of the sport. The episode also touches on controversial topics such as performance-enhancing drugs, the value of wrestling as a foundational skill in MMA, and the potential impact of AI on combat sports. Underlying themes delve into the importance of mental discipline, strategic thinking, and the constant pursuit of improvement in the world of professional fighting.

Bo Nickal’s Transition to MMA

1. Bo Nickal’s wrestling background: Nickal was a dominant wrestler, winning multiple NCAA championships and competing on the world stage. This foundation laid the groundwork for his success in MMA.
2. The appeal of MMA: Nickal always enjoyed fighting, and he was drawn to the challenge and excitement of MMA. He was a fan of the UFC from a young age.
3. The moment Bo Nickal decided to transition: Nickal had a transformative experience during a Jiu Jitsu class, realizing he loved the sport and wanted to pursue it.
4. Nickal’s rapid progression in striking: Despite only seriously training in striking for two years, Nickal has developed impressive skills, showcasing a natural aptitude for the discipline.

Performance Enhancing Drugs in MMA

1. The prevalence of PEDs in combat sports: Nickal acknowledges the widespread use of PEDs, particularly in international wrestling. He shared a personal story about wrestling a heavily juiced opponent who dominated him despite a five-year ban.
2. Nickal’s stance against PEDs: Nickal has never used PEDs, emphasizing his dedication to clean training and a natural approach to performance enhancement. He believes that taking shortcuts undermines character.
3. The proposed Enhanced Games: Nickal expresses openness to the idea of sanctioned events where PEDs are allowed, highlighting the potential for pushing human performance boundaries.
4. The UFC’s drug testing program: Nickal believes that the UFC’s new program will be effective in deterring PED use.

Wrestling as a Foundational Skill in MMA

1. The psychological advantage of wrestling: Nickal highlights the mental pressure that a wrestler can impose on an opponent, knowing that a takedown could shift the fight into the wrestler’s favor. This fear often leads opponents to become tense and reactive.
2. The importance of mental discipline in MMA: Nickal stresses the importance of staying calm and composed, resisting the urge to rush in and expend energy too early in a fight. This is crucial for maintaining stamina over the full duration of a match.
3. The importance of a well-rounded game: Nickal emphasizes that while wrestling is a valuable asset, it’s crucial to develop proficiency in all areas of MMA, including striking and grappling.
4. Bo Nickal’s unique approach: Nickal believes that being a specialist in one area, in his case wrestling, combined with elite proficiency in all other areas is the winning formula.

Training and Preparation

1. Bo Nickal’s structured training approach: Nickal emphasizes the importance of systematization and detailed planning in his training. He believes in breaking down skills and focusing on specific aspects.
2. Bo Nickal’s team and coaches: Nickal has assembled a team of high-level coaches for each discipline, including boxing, Muay Thai, Jiu Jitsu, and strength and conditioning.
3. Bo Nickal’s commitment to wrestling: Nickal remains dedicated to wrestling, training with Penn State wrestlers to maintain his edge in this area.
4. Bo Nickal’s approach to recovery: Nickal prioritizes recovery and utilizes various methods, including massage, chiropractic care, and active recovery sessions.

The Future of MMA and Bo Nickal’s Career

1. Bo Nickal’s career trajectory: Nickal has ambitious goals, including becoming a UFC champion. He plans to approach his career in a calculated, strategic manner, focusing on continuous improvement rather than rushing for titles.
2. The UFC’s role in Bo Nickal’s development: Nickal believes that the UFC is the best platform for him to reach his full potential.
3. Bo Nickal’s future fights: Nickal is scheduled to fight at UFC 300 in April 2024. He is aiming for a fight against a top-ranked opponent.
4. The evolution of MMA: Nickal believes that the sport is moving toward a more analytical and professional approach, with fighters becoming more well-rounded and strategists.

Technology and the Future

1. The impact of AI on combat sports: Nickal discusses the potential of AI, specifically chatGPT, to revolutionize fight preparation and strategy. He believes that AI will be able to analyze fight footage and provide valuable insights.
2. The integration of AI into human lives: Nickal shares his observations on the increasing reliance on technology, particularly among younger generations. He believes that this trend will lead to a new form of humanity that is more interconnected with AI.
3. The potential for human enhancement: Nickal explores the ethical considerations of technologies that could enhance human performance, such as neural link and other bio-enhancing technologies.
4. The uncertainty of the future: Nickal acknowledges the rapid pace of change in society and the challenges associated with adapting to a constantly evolving technological landscape.

Bo Nickal’s Personal Life and Interests

1. Bo Nickal’s passion for hunting: Nickal shares his love for hunting and archery, highlighting the connection to nature and the mental and physical challenges involved in the pursuit.
2. Bo Nickal’s approach to archery: Nickal emphasizes the importance of proper technique and a solid foundation in archery, and he draws parallels to his approach to fighting.
3. Bo Nickal’s appreciation for nature: Nickal values the outdoors and the pure experiences it offers, highlighting a balance between his intense training regimen and a desire for connection with the natural world.
4. Bo Nickal’s mindset: Nickal describes a lifestyle focused on discipline, hard work, and constant improvement, both in fighting and in his personal life.

Health and Wellness

1. Bo Nickal’s commitment to health: Nickal emphasizes the importance of taking care of his body, both physically and mentally. He discusses his routine, including cold plunges, saunas, and a healthy diet.
2. The benefits of cold plunges: Nickal details the positive effects of cold plunges, including mood elevation, dopamine release, and potential testosterone boosting benefits.
3. The importance of challenging oneself: Nickal believes that pushing one’s limits, both physically and mentally, is essential for personal growth and satisfaction.
4. The contrast between comfort and challenge: Nickal argues that the pursuit of comfort can lead to unhappiness, while embracing challenges is crucial for fulfillment and well-being.

Social and Political Issues

1. Bo Nickal’s stance on political issues: Nickal expresses concerns about government overreach and the influence of large corporations on public discourse.
2. The importance of critical thinking: Nickal encourages skepticism and the pursuit of unbiased information, emphasizing the dangers of relying solely on mainstream media and government narratives.
3. The power of independent information sources: Nickal highlights the value of podcasts and other independent sources that provide unfiltered information and diverse perspectives.
4. The importance of truth and transparency: Nickal emphasizes the need for people to be aware of potential biases and financial incentives that can influence the information they encounter.

Bo Nickal’s Meeting with Donald Trump

1. Bo Nickal’s encounter with Donald Trump: Nickal shares his experience golfing with Donald Trump, describing him as a cool, smart, and engaging individual.
2. The media narrative versus reality: Nickal contrasts the negative portrayal of Trump in the media with his personal experience, highlighting the importance of forming one’s own opinions based on direct encounters.
3. Bo Nickal’s perspective on the political climate: Nickal acknowledges the deep political divisions in the United States and the influence of the media in shaping public perception.
4. The importance of personal interactions: Nickal emphasizes that first-hand experiences can often challenge preconceived notions and provide a more nuanced understanding of individuals and situations.

Memorable Quotes:

1. “It’s pretty weird, you know, I think that because like I said, I kind of grew up, you grow up with the understanding of it knowing like this is kind of the way it works. You just, you’re ready for it, you’re prepared, you understand, but, and I’m sure I’ve competed against a lot of guys that were doping and doing stuff, but the one experience that I had that was like, really kind of prominent in my mind.”
2. “And you know, but at the end of the day, I’m probably going to be, I probably have competing against a lot of guys that are juiced up. And I will, we’ll see what the UFC’s drug testing programs like since you saw it was over at the end of the year.”
3. “The guy always has it in the back of their head that you might take them down, but you don’t ever have that. No. Yeah. I’m not worried about it all. Freedom. Yeah, it’s, it’s, I would say in the actual flight, the biggest advantage is the cycle of the psychology of them feeling threatened, feeling pressured, feeling nervous.”
4. “It’s like you’re on a drug, just sitting there. – Dude, were you at UFC Miami earlier this year? How crazy was it when Trump walked out? – Insane. I’ve never experienced that. – Insane. I was like, whoa.”
5. “I think we’re the last natural people. I really do. I think this is the last generation of natural people, people that have no connection to the outside world other than through electronics that you hold. And I think in the future, that’s just not going to be the case. We’re going to be a new version of human beings.”