Josh Thomson’s Blunt Advice to Bo Nickal: “Take 8 Months Off” After UFC 308 Loss
In the unforgiving world of UFC, careers can rise and fall in the span of 15 minutes. For wrestling prodigy Bo Nickal, his recent setback against Cody Brundage at UFC 308 wasn’t just a loss—it was a reality check that has the entire MMA community talking.
Former Strikeforce champion and UFC veteran Josh Thomson has never been one to sugarcoat his opinions, and his recent assessment of Nickal’s situation is as honest as they come.
The Hard Truth: Thomson’s 8-Month Recovery Plan
Speaking candidly about Nickal’s shocking defeat, Thomson didn’t hold back:
“The way he lost… the UFC, I’m really telling him, like, you know what? You need to spend probably a good eight months, just working on your game,” Thomson stated on his podcast.
As someone who’s been through the highest highs and lowest lows in this sport, I can tell you Thomson’s advice isn’t just talk—it’s the hard medicine Nickal might need to swallow.
From Hyped Prospect to Humbling Defeat
Bo Nickal entered the UFC with more hype than almost any prospect in recent memory. A three-time NCAA Division I national champion wrestler with dynamite in his hands, many (myself included) believed we were watching the birth of a future champion.
Then came UFC 308 in Abu Dhabi, where +900 underdog Cody Brundage shocked the world by submitting Nickal in the first round. The wrestling phenom who was supposed to dominate on the ground found himself tapping to a guillotine choke.
What Went Wrong for the Wrestling Phenom?
The loss exposed something many veterans recognize but few prospects understand: MMA isn’t just a collection of skills—it’s the seamless integration of those skills under pressure. Nickal’s wrestling credentials didn’t translate when Brundage caught him with a perfectly timed choke during a takedown attempt.
Thomson’s advice speaks to this exact issue. It’s not about Nickal’s abilities; it’s about his need to fuse those abilities into a complete MMA game.
The Rebuild: What Comes Next?
According to Thomson, Nickal needs to step away from the spotlight and focus on integrating his skills:
- Defensive awareness during transitions
- Submission defense from compromised positions
- Striking setups that complement his wrestling
- Mental resilience after experiencing his first professional loss
I’ve seen fighters come back stronger from devastating defeats. Georges St-Pierre’s career reset after his loss to Matt Serra comes to mind. The question is whether Nickal has the humility to follow Thomson’s advice.
The UFC’s Investment in Bo
Let’s not forget—the UFC has invested heavily in marketing Nickal as a future star. They’ll likely give him the time and space he needs to develop, but the promotional push will certainly be dialed back.
This is actually a blessing in disguise. Without the pressure of being the “next big thing,” Nickal can focus on becoming the complete fighter he needs to be.
The MMA Community Reacts
Reactions to Thomson’s advice have been mixed, but most veterans seem to agree with the assessment:
“Sometimes you need to take a step back to take two steps forward. Eight months of dedicated training without a fight camp could be exactly what Bo needs right now.” – Daniel Cormier on UFC Tonight
Final Thoughts: The Making of a Champion
Almost every great champion has faced adversity on their journey. Anderson Silva was submitted by Ryo Chonan before his legendary run. Kamaru Usman lost early in his career before becoming one of the most dominant welterweights ever.
The path forward for Nickal is clear: embrace the setback, follow Thomson’s advice, and return as a more complete fighter. The wrestling credentials aren’t going anywhere—but now it’s time to become a true mixed martial artist.
Will Bo Nickal take Thomson’s advice and step away to rebuild? Or will he rush back to erase the memory of defeat? The decision he makes now could determine whether he becomes the champion many believed he would be or just another hyped prospect who couldn’t adapt to the highest level.
What do you think? Does Thomson’s 8-month development plan make sense for Nickal, or should he get right back in there? Let us know in the comments!
Source: BJPenn.com