Boxing legend backs Sean Strickland's coaching efforts at UFC 312

Sean Strickland at the entrance to the UFC event. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram/UFC India

The work Eric Nicksick, Sean Strickland Head Coach No. UFC 312, generated a series of reactions throughout the MMA world. If some, such as Renato Moicano, criticized the statements after the pay per view, Teddy Atlas saw the situation differently. For the former coach of great names in the history of boxing, the former Ultimate middleweight champion (up to 83,9 kg.) was well advised last Saturday (8).

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Throughout the five rounds it was possible to observe the growing agitation of the coach, who in each interval demanded a more aggressive attitude from his pupil. The reaction ended up not happening and Dricus du Plessis successfully defended the belt for the second time. Regarding Nicksick's performance, Atlas said it was a courageous move.

“I have to give credit to his corner at the end of the fight. They were great. (Nicksick) was honest. He was strong. He didn’t talk trash, (wasn’t) trying to be friendly and not hurt your feelings. ‘I don’t want to get fired. I want to be nice…’ This is not a nice game. This is fighting,” said the former coach on the American podcast The Fight, last Tuesday (11).

Eric Nicksick Lays Into Sean Strickland After The Second Round . UFC 312 pic.twitter.com/JemFXmnaT8

— CornerKaos (@CornerKaos) February 9, 2025

Atlas praised Strickland's work in establishing the jab, but stressed that this alone was not enough to frustrate the South African's game. When returning to the corner's work, he once again praised the coach's honesty in demanding and instructing the North American.

“I don’t think Strickland liked it, but that’s okay. The truth is important, in the end you’ll love it because it gives you a better chance of winning. He not only told you the truth, but he also gave you ideas on what to do,” he concluded.

Teddy Altas is a big name in boxing. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram.