Nick Newell hopes rest and recovery is the key to his return to the cage on Friday at Bellator 241.
“I took 3 fights in five months,” recounts Newell. “I was just so deflated and only took about a month off.” Newell returns to the cage in front of family and friends once again in Uncasville, Connecticut.
Newell (16-3 overall, 1-1 Bellator) takes on Zach Zane (14-9 overall, 1-0 Bellator) in a lightweight matchup. “I needed to stop and recharge from the bouts and be refreshed,” said Newell of his need for a break from training. “I needed that time off. I’ve been teaching class and doing techniques,” explained Newell of his time off. Newell owns two gyms where he trains. It is also a place for him to help and train other fighters.
Newell lost a tough-fought split decision setback to Manny Muro this past October at Bellator 232. “I’m still kind of pissed about it,” admitted Newell. Despite the loss Newell is looking forward to fight the former fellow Dana White Contender Series alum.
In preparation for his fights, Newell doesn’t watch his fights after they are done. “I never watch the fights. It makes me uncomfortable. I have my coaches watch my fights.”
Extra rest seems to have fit Newell in this training camp as he believes that he did not allow his body to recover this past year. “I tried to do too much in a short period of time,” Newell said.
A part of the rest includes family time. Newell still devotes his Sundays to his family. He is father to a 15-month old boy and relishes the time he has with him.
In addition to training at his Fighting Arts Academy in Connecticut, he’s also dropped by Glover Teixeira’s gym in Danbury, Connecticut, Teixeira MMA & Fitness. He’s also spent time with his athletic conditioning coach Matthew Ramos at Ramos Athletic Conditioning Center.
Bellator 241 takes place this Friday on DAZN.
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