Eric Nicksick Thought Sean Strickland Was Going to Get Pulled Before UFC 293 | The MMA Hour

Eric Nicksick discusses Sean Strickland’s upset win at UFC 293, how long it took to make the fight official, what fight week was like, why he thought Sean Strickland might get pulled from the UFC 293 fight week, how he ended up with a bodyguard, the gameplan, Israel Adesanya’s traps, corner advice, who they want next, why he defended Eugene Bareman, and more.
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[@darrenc9607]

I'd never seen an interview with Eric before, this was a fabulous. Thanks Ariel.

[@turdferguson9452]

Hearing his perspective of the sport feels like an absolute privilege, love that him and his team are seeing this level of success

[@stephenstuckey]

Hell yeah. Nick is the man. Luke Thomas did a great interview with him as well....

[@primal_god]

If anyone was ever born to do a job, Nicksick is the one. He's got so much wisdom and intelligence and passion for this sport and his fighters. He pulled the greatness out of Sean. For that fight.

[@JD-vince-21]

On point, brother 👌

[@rickjames2931]

All of a sudden

[@JD-vince-21]

@rickjames2931 what's that mean "all of a sudden?"

[@comixof2morrow]

Alex and Glover had a big hand in Sean's improvements as well.

[@comixof2morrow]

​@@JD-vince-21,He doesn't know...He probably still mad Izzy the dog groomer lost the title

[@Elmusiico]

The mid-round talks to Strickland were epic. Got me hyped up, specially when he said, “we can beat this 🐓 sucker.”

[@ChatniJay]

Chicken salad Baby ! @@forrestmcgee7631

[@chicnoir29]

I couldn’t believe he said that although it’s probably true.

[@TrapGambino]

Omg so deep he cursed? Wow how epic ur easy to please I guess 🤦‍♂️

[@chicnoir29]

@@TrapGambino 🐥 sucker isn’t a term heard everyday. That’s really out there, even for curse words.

[@knuckle-sandwichmma681]

@@TrapGambinofighters get hyped up differently. thats how Sean gets hyped up which is noticable also on the way he talks himself. Who isnt easy to please is Izzy. At least with humans. 😂

[@michaelhill6451]

Sean Strickland is the type of guy to have a bodyguard in order to protect everyone else from him.

[@lasse9553]

All though it feels like these jokes belong to Tony, it kinda feels like it's time to pass the torch, and D'Sean is the man to receive them now

[@jack-of-all-trades1234]

Izzy's dog needs a restraining order.

[@thewind6047]

@@lasse9553true but the ufc literally gave him a bodyguard after he punched a fan lol. The guys comment isn’t a joke, it’s just what happened

[@alexstarovereem]

Someone get his dog a bodyguard @UFC@@jack-of-all-trades1234

[@alexstarovereem]

That's like a Chuck Norris joke that isn't even a joke 😂.

[@pieter5004]

Eric looks like an amazing coach. Listening to him talk about training D'Sean and even explaining how he analyzed the fight, telling Strickland what to look out for. So awesome

[@berlin4103]

I'd recommend checkout his story on ufc channel very inspirational 💪

[@dave9547]

Sean

[@PrimetimeBJJ]

@@dave9547 DeSean is his name he's the real African ufc champ

[@khethelomhlongo7311]

@@dave9547it’s on his locker D’Sean.. it’s just a joke they have at the club

[@dave9547]

@@khethelomhlongo7311 he/she edited the post. It said Shaun originally.

[@01rai01]

This interview was inspirational. Hearing the way coach Eric thinks and conducts himself is inspiring. Well deserved!

[@sportsfan_913]

That pre fight speech he gave sounded f*cking incredible. Sean responding with to the death is legendary. Hats off to them. They earned it

[@gustavohuehue7460]

Do you have the link? I didn't see it

[@peckerinthehoohoo]

Give this man his dues. Much props.

[@BrianEzb_blingy]

I can listen to Coach Nicksick all day, giving us insight of coaching and wisdom, happy for him and congrats to Sean as well on the win

[@ericsmith6803]

This guy is a coaches coach. He's awesome, knows, and cares about his fighters. I'm a fan.

[@Ruminator]

Nicksick is so refreshing, comes across like a really great guy. His knowledge of the game is outstanding.

[@mahmoudghandour3981]

Eric is well raised and a class act. Nothing but respect.

[@sportsfan_913]

He created such a phenomenal gameplan. So insightful to listen too. Easily one of the best coaches in the game.

[@gdarippa69]

This guy has made Ngannou and Strickland reach their best. One of if not the Best coach in the World at the moment

[@alex__2265]

One of the best interviews I've seen. Truly so insightful & enlightening. Eric is so well spoken & a truly elite coach & leader for his fighters & gym.

[@toddeimen007]

Who couldn't learn from a good, intelligent, cool dude like this? No wonder Sean and Chris Curtis are good dudes. I bet their whole gym has a good vibe & is cool to be at, as well. Congrats Eric!

[@junoknowsitall]

Eric its unlikely you’ll see this but you’re a hero to so many people man. Believing in your fighter without a shadow of a doubt. Inspirational.

[@shanecraig619]

NOW THATS A COACH🙌Truly inspirational 🤜🏻😎🤛🏻

[@lsthree6996]

No excuses, Sean won in spectacular fashion.

[@alex__2265]

This dude might by Izzy's kryptonite. He found flaws & holes most haven't seen. He saw everything Izzy was setting up. Masterful stuff.

[@michaelbeard4883]

he’s coached guys against izzy before

[@steverascoe7069]

Epic support for Sean is obvious. Glad to see that Gym and Team get well deseved recognition!

[@Amzyy]

If Dana gives frosted tips a rematch I'm done. Sean won every round. Unanimous wasn't a close fight. Stop giving immediate rematches and let the division move on. Work his way up again like everyone else

[@user-fx5cd4px3k]

especially when Izzy just had a rematch last fight

[@funkspinna]

Especially now having lost 2 of his last 3.

[@kenthan2692]

Especially when Aljo can't get his rematch after fighting all the beast in the division

[@-Kreger-]

Only argument I see for Izzy, is if Strickland wants the rematch. Would financially be a better payday most likely.

[@brooksysdead]

​@kreger-MK yeah I agree. I don't wanna see a rematch cause izzy showed nothing to deserve another one but ultimately I want sean to make the decisions that earn him the biggest paydays. If the rematch is the biggest payday ,then he should do it. Whatever is best for Sean, dude has earned the opportunity to get rich and I hope he does 👏

[@HipHopAn0n]

I wont be missing any of Eric's interviews from here on out! Awesome dude

[@DonPeppinoo]

i just became a fan of the coach. Damn sean is the true people's champ

[@Trasgoooo]

35:50 I felt that one. What an asset it is to have someone who trusts you this way

[@joshking2241]

Bro that’s amazing you were not only able to be a part of that, but give mad credit to his lady cause you know the man. I did think he was gonna win, I’ve always been a fan of what I call wrench in the sprocket styles. Just something so varied and different it breaks the system.

[@phyush355]

I didn't realize that that's awesome from a coaching standpoint. He sounds like a great coach based on this interview his stock went through the roof

[@jeffvernon9469]

Anytime you coach a world champion 🏆 your stock will most definitely go through the roof. He is a good coach.

[@michaelpelzek8882]

I respect what dana did for the ufc. But i'm really starting to dislike him.

[@xiaobao4757]

Sean is a legend!

[@iChristiannn]

This was inspirational! Sometimes a fighter needs advice from the corner, sometimes they need fire from the corner

[@RandomRighteous]

Wow I LOVE this guy. Stand up guy and he sounds like the perfect coach for Sean.

[@g4g3710]

Thank you for this Ariel. I appreciate how personable your interviews are.

[@Danny888_]

Great interview, great coach, great people. So happy for all their success!

[@Papacarnivore15]

AWESOME 😊interview Ariel. Eric is one of the best mma coaches on the planet and a great guy too.

[@DeCaprioLaw]

Spot on. “Deserving of love”. Exactly the words echoed during fight week and on the big night by my big MMA family 😅

[@bentobuster6995]

Sean was more active than izzy. He had 4 fights since Dec. izzy had 3 since Nov. Sean had little time to prepare before fight. Huge weight cut stress. Jet lag etc. first time main card. Sean overcome all that.

[@petemills5704]

Class interview with a class open & honest coach

[@smokestrong1000]

Eric is a really good coach. He's the type of coach you need in your corner.

[@stealingtomorrowband]

What a stand up down to earth dude.... seems like a great coach... I'm a huge Khamzat fan but i would love to see Sean beat Izzy again, DDP, Jared, and Whitaker andnget his legacy rolling

[@nunyabizwacks6711]

i agree i like Sean better than any of those guys but i just dont see him making it thru the likes of DDP or Whittaker. Styles make fights and those guys would bring the fight to them. Now i def think he could beat Jared in a rematch and i thought he won the 1st fight, Seans great against that type of style. But guys that come at him hard and DONT gas out are a problem for him. I think DDP would murder Sean.

[@xdeanda08]

The mind of a coach! Such a great interview!

[@Synthetic-lt4ed]

Awesome interview

[@jc-kj2on]

Great interview

[@joshuawoodcock5696]

God bless, I’m so proud of your team and Sean of course, incredible

[@John_Connor556]

Kudos to Nicksick & the whole Strickland team 👏 D'Sean absolutely dismantled the dogbender & NEW!

[@PlasmaBoom]

The story at 15:11 was really nice. I love hearing about the other side of Strickland sometimes to be reminded he is just a normal guy with doubts too.

[@fitefeed]

Eric is a class act, amazing interview. Also, Eric sounds exactly like Jonah hill

[@I_RiiiGA]

awesome coach!!!

[@Notpad1234]

Amazing coach and interview. He is also adept at recognizing the setup questions ask by Ariel :)

[@Djrobbyrob205]

Need more interviews with coaches! Amazing insight!

[@phyush355]

I didn't realize that that's awesome from a coaching standpoint

[@Synthetic-lt4ed]

“To the death” gave me chills… legendary

[@JimChap]

Great interview. Interesting guy with a no nonsense attitude. You can see why him and Sean are a good team.

[@alejandronunez1114]

Sean Strickland is the real life Goku. Speaks his mind, win crowds over, always wants to spar, being smart than what people actually think he is. 💀💀💀 11:16

[@FairHavenCT]

One of the best coaches HANDSSSS DOWN!!

[@TheCityLifeProject-]

Amazing coach

[@stephenbrock7146]

This guy is special

[@Dairyuga]

Wow, now the internet is still talking about Sean, but yes cannot deny a very lovable guy indeed he is, even before the UFC belt on his waist. Cool fighter.

[@kylewebb1131]

Lock the screen and it sounds like jonah hill. Awesome interview as well 😁

[@p0werl0ve]

Great coach. Very articulate

[@mustafahashimi7237]

My new favourite coach

[@salphilly1360]

This guy is a gem . What a good guy I pick up from it.

[@TheKennoway]

Amazing

[@ILoveHellas]

Great human being !!

[@pokemonufcjrc7580]

This guy is amazing pure class

[@standupMTB]

What a coach!!!💯🫡

[@kathleenfinnerty226]

Fantastic coach always liked him after being Francis coach, he's a class act and the respect he shows Eugene hats off respect

[@yakabatuka]

phenomenal coach

[@danielmollinedo9931]

Coach is awesome!

[@davescott1491]

Eric is the right coach for Sean. Great story.

[@VisionComicsOddities]

The Sean’s have the best coaches! Tim and Eric!

[@SarcasticCharacter]

What an honest guy nicksick is.

[@ayou4525]

Great guy great coach

[@rubzzz0415]

Wow love he stand up for Eugene

[@vipset87]

Yeah this coach will def go down as one of the greats

[@Rya_N33]

Honestly I liked hearing from Eugene at the lost fight press conference I think the main event coaches winners and losers should speak at the press conference

[@xxnf99987]

The DEVGRU analogy was fire

[@krich7581]

Conducts himself like a true coach and leader .no bs

[@KiLLaBushWooKiE]

Everyone especially men need a friend/coach like Eric. So many guys feel lost and lack of purpose in today's society of trying to demeanise masculinity.

[@JuanMartinez-je5nt]

God damn, this guy is not a guy. He's the man. This was an awesome interview

[@JD-vince-21]

Why do I love this dude? Just listen to his education he's a genius

[@wagonet]

My favorite quote "OPTICS SEAN"

[@gabrielhedin1697]

Love this guy. DDP VS DeSean is the next fight.

[@danielarz]

Sean beating all odds haha

[@Runnit12]

As an Ngannou fan I’ve seen how great of a coach Nicksick is

[@pieteytrenton2747]

I love thus guy!!!

[@jasonrummel3439]

Coach of the year. Has been And please believe me I'm not saying it just because of this fight but THIS FIGHT is such a beautiful epitomizing example of it

[@stereotoned]

Coach of the year right here!

[@bauerpower83]

This coach is awesome

[@JBreezzBeatz]

I love this dude

[@OMGpandemic]

Eric seems like a great person.

[@bigheadrhino]

I’m pretty sure we’re at the point of the simulation now where dev support has ended and the bugs are going wild. 🤯 All kidding aside, pretty insane how many stars aligned to make this happen. Really one of the greatest moments in mma history. Congrats to Sean and his whole team, and also also Pereira lol.

[@InspectorButters4]

Super cool hearing Sean's girl is that extra bit that pushed him to the next level...... Bisping credits 2 people for basically all of his success, and that's his head coach Jason Parillo and his wife Rebecca Bisping. Parillo took care of the fight and mental training and Rebecca took care of everything else so he could fully focus on fighting. Wild ass dudes need that strong base of a good woman to keep em in line lol

[@KingTairun]

Ariel was Izzy's #1 fan until he lost lol

[@DevinBird2753]

What a cool guy he’s about as good as they come

[@jakedalton6236]

“If someone broke into your house would you need 8 weeks to prepare?”😂😂😂

[@vipset87]

Does he still coach francis fn nagnnou?

[@stufftod]

Sean is such a star

[@pradleybee7828]

“Til the death” 🥶

[@buzzedlightbeers]

16:56-17:30 thats awesome

[@jeffvernon9469]

I don't think Izzy, and his team expected the Australian crowd to be completely on Strickland and chanting for him. It completely deflated Izzy and you could see it! I mean, Izzy was on the card because they thought he would be a crowd favorite but it backfired. I think 🤔 it had a big part of why Izzy looked so flat. Im absolutely a Strickland fan, and im super happy for the middleweight division as it won't seem so constipated so to speak. Strickland literally helped alot of ppl, with this win, move forward. Ppl don't think of the ramifications of this HUGE win! Its truly spectacular ✨️

[@Jason-fm1wv]

Shatap. Why are you pretending as if Izzy and Strickland are both white and are judged the same. We know race plays a role in everything. Even Strickland said the only reason the Australian crowd were supporting him is because he is fighting a black guy. So do not overrate the so called support strickland got. Any white guy fighting Izzy would have received the same support. That being said, Izzy is a massive superstar and sells the most ppvs and that is why the UFC wants the immediate rematch.