Coach Eric Nikcik will push Sean Strickland when “Tarzan” returns to the Octagon on February 21 in opposition to Anthony Hernandez at UFC Houston.
Nick Thicke and Strickland parted methods after the previous criticized Strickland’s efficiency in opposition to Doricus du Plessis at UFC 312. Strickland promised an entertaining match and vowed to face “Nonetheless Knox,” however he placed on a lackluster present on struggle night time, solely taking jabs for the complete 25 minutes. Du Plessis additionally broke the American fighter’s nostril within the fourth spherical of their title rematch.
After the loss, Nick Schick publicly criticized the previous UFC champion’s efficiency, calling it uninspiring. above ariel helwani presenthe mentioned:
“For me, it was a very uninspired struggle. It appeared like[Sean Strickland]was sleepwalking. It was robust… Touring all the way in which[to Australia]and keep in mind, this can be a title struggle… I take title fights very severely. I used to be simply upset, dude.”
Throughout the UFC 312 title rematch, Sean Strickland was urged to be unpredictable by Nick Schick, needed to end with 10 minutes left, and demanded “Tarzan” open from his nook as he had misplaced the earlier spherical. Nevertheless, the 34-year-old didn’t heed his coach’s recommendation.
After the loss, Strickland heard his coach publicly criticize his efficiency and instantly declared that Eric Nikcik wouldn’t run him over once more.
Nevertheless, inside days, the 2 sides reconciled, and Nick Schick admitted that the timing of his criticism was improper.
Eric Nikcik corners Sean Strickland at UFC Houston
Now, Xtreme Couture’s head coach has confirmed that he’ll proceed to pursue Sean Strickland, and the 2 have settled their previous variations. In an interview with SBN’s MMA Combating, the 46-year-old mentioned:
“Sure, sir, I will be there. Firstly, for me, there was a whole lot of studying expertise out of that state of affairs and I feel there was an absence of communication on either side. However I used to be going via quite a bit personally with my dad’s well being, then the journey, and being away from house, and all of these issues simply got here along with the complexion of camp and the sensation of some accidents that Sean was coping with.”
He added:
“On the finish of the day, the underside line is we simply must get higher at speaking with one another, that is all. And we talked about every part in per week or two after the actual fact. He knew the place I used to be coming from. I knew the underside line. I instructed him I’ve excessive expectations as a result of I do know what he is able to and he is aware of I really like him and I worth him. We sat down and mentioned it out loud like a person and mentioned, ‘So I am in his nook.’ “Fluffy” has a really formidable opponent. ”
Try Eric Nicksick’s feedback beneath (1:34):
In the meantime, Sean Strickland not too long ago revealed that he was compelled to participate within the UFC 312 title rematch however wasn’t prepared and had injured his shoulder.
