Bo Nickal can relate to Gable Steveson more than most.
Lessons he can potentially pass on to Steveson, who is currently in the midst of a meteoric rise through the MMA world. Primarily, Nickal implores Steveson to focus on himself and self-improvement rather than get swept away by hype and circumstance.
“In regards to Gable, I would say the career stuff and everything, it’s going to work out the way it’s supposed to,” Nickal explained to MMA Fighting. “Just continue to focus on getting better at fighting, getting better at your sport. Being disciplined. Staying committed to your goals. Regardless of who you fight, what’s the opponent, how fast your career is moving, I think that it’s really more just about continuing to grow and improve and get better.”
Nickal continued, “You can always play the ‘what if’ game or hindsight is 20/20 or people try to politic their way into certain matchups, this, that. I look at it [like] like other people can worry about that for me. I’m worried about just improving, getting better as a fighter, growing as a person every single day and being present. For him, I would just say the same thing. Just focus on getting better at fighting and whatever the matchups are, you’ll figure it out. If you win or lose a fight, you’re still Gable Steveson. So try to be yourself and try to improve.”
Under the tutelage of Jon Jones, Steveson has picked up three vicious and fast knockout wins in the last six months. He’ll compete again this Thursday (Feb. 19, 2026) opposite Hugo Lezama (11-3) in Monterey, Mexico, and he’s optimistic that one more victory will earn him a UFC contract.
Lord knows the Heavyweight division could use the help.
