Michigan’s Bobby Nash (9-4) will make his return to the cage this week in Atlanta.
The former Michigan State wrestler and UFC fighter will face off against Canada’s Spencer Jebb (13-7) in a welterweight bout at XFC 43 on Wednesday, Nov. 11.
The fight will be Nash’s first competition since May 2019. The bout is also one of four quarterfinal matchups in XFC’s welterweight tournament, with the winners advancing to the semifinals at XFC 44.
“After this fight, I’ll be in the semifinals,” Nash said in an interview with MMA Empire.
“I plan on winning the welterweight title.”
A state champion in high school wrestling, Nash, 30, compiled a 48-42 wrestling record at Michigan State. Now over six years into his professional MMA career, “Nashty” is 9-4 with a disappointing 0-3 run in the UFC still fresh on his mind.
Nash’s fight against Mark Stoddard in 2019 was his first after an 18-month break from competition. In 2017, Nash lost all three of his UFC fights by knockout.
Now, he’s in a position to make a sort of comeback and win the XFC welterweight title.
“(Spencer) is a grinder and difficult to put away,” Nash said.
“I’m working on all aspects of my game. Being in good shape will (allow) me to push the pace and win.”
Like fighters across the world, the coronavirus pandemic hindered Nash’s ability to spar and train at MMA gyms this year. However, Nash is confident that he’s prepared for Wednesday’s fight against Jebb.
“The pandemic made me have to adapt. I put in a punching bag in my backyard and been running a lot more lately,” Nash said.
“I feel that the individuals able to adapt to the changes are the fighters who will thrive and do well.”
Fans can watch Nash’s fight against Jebb on NBC Sports or FITE.tv this Wednesday night.
