The source of Vick’s frustration is the fact it’s took him so long to finally get a shot against a high profile opponent in Gaethje, and according to himself he “frickin’ blew it”.
Vick appeared on a recent episode of MMA Junkie radio and explained that while he hasn’t lost any confidence in his own ability, he admitted the loss set him back in terms of title aspirations and unlike some other fighters at lightweight, he simply cannot command another big name until he can get a few more wins under his belt.
“It still sucks and is depressing to lose like that,” Vick said. “It’s humiliating. But I’ve just got to get on another winning streak. I’m not delusional. Some of this stuff ain’t fair, but life ain’t fair. I may have to go back and win three or four fights, whereas someone like Gaethje only has to win one fight after losing a couple. That’s just the way sh*t is. I blew my opportunity, and I’ve got to live with that.
“I got caught early, and I can’t blame anybody but myself,” Vick added. “I got a big opportunity, and I frickin’ blew it, and it sucks. But I’m not any less confident in myself and my skill set. I just feel like it’s going to be a long road back to getting a big fight like that, because these guys already don’t want to fight me anyway.”
“The blueprint to beat any tall person is obvious,” Vick continued. “Remember when Hasim Rahman knocked out Lennox Lewis? Overhands and looping shots are what beats tall fighters. Either they catch me, or I catch them. Obviously, I shouldn’t have circled too close to the cage. I let my back get too close to the cage. Those are things I’ve studied -- I’ve watched the fights multiple times -- and I’m addressing.”