Discover the incredible impact of coach Eric Nicksick in MMA and boxing. Read about his strategic brilliance and the victories he orchestrated in 2023. Learn why he was named the Combat Press 2023 MMA Coach of the Year.
| Coach | Accomplishments |
|---|---|
| Eric Nicksick | – Guided Sean Strickland to a shocking upset over Israel Adesanya |
- Transformed Francis Ngannou into a formidable opponent for Tyson Fury
- Named Combat Press 2023 MMA Coach of the Year |
Eric Nicksick emerged as the standout coach in MMA and boxing in 2023. His strategic brilliance and ability to adapt techniques from other fighters led to incredible upsets and victories. Nicksick’s impact extended beyond the octagon, as he coached Francis Ngannou to a remarkable performance against Tyson Fury. Recognized as the Combat Press 2023 MMA Coach of the Year, Nicksick’s influence cannot be overstated.
As we enter a new year, it’s time to reflect on the best moments in MMA from 2023. Combat Press is proud to present its award winners in various categories, recognizing the incredible achievements in the sport.
While fighters often receive the spotlight in mixed martial arts, it’s important to acknowledge the crucial role of coaches in their success. In 2023, one coach stood out among the rest: Eric Nicksick.
Nicksick’s guidance proved instrumental in the victories of several fighters under his tutelage. One of the most notable achievements was Sean Strickland’s shocking upset over UFC middleweight champion Israel Adesanya. Nicksick’s strategic game plan, inspired by footage from Alex Pereira’s win over Adesanya in 2022, played a pivotal role in Strickland’s triumph. Nicksick skillfully adapted Pereira’s techniques to suit Strickland’s style, resulting in a remarkable victory.
Throughout the bout, Strickland showcased an unrivaled ability to neutralize Adesanya’s offense, a feat previously unmatched by fighters like Pereira and Jan Blachowicz. Nicksick’s expertise extended beyond pre-fight preparations, as his corner advice between rounds demonstrated his ability to strike the perfect balance between aggression and caution. Nicksick’s guidance during the fight resembled a maestro conducting a flawless symphony, with Strickland playing every instrument to perfection.
Nicksick’s impact extended beyond the realm of mixed martial arts. His work with Francis Ngannou deserves special recognition, as he transformed the heavyweight MMA fighter into a formidable opponent for world champion boxer Tyson Fury. Ngannou’s performance against Fury surpassed the expectations of many, showcasing Nicksick’s exceptional coaching skills in the world of boxing.
With these remarkable achievements, it’s no surprise that Eric Nicksick was unanimously chosen as the Combat Press 2023 MMA Coach of the Year.
