Bryce Meredith is set to make his Bellator debut at 135 pounds while acknowledging that he needs more experience before making any dramatic leaps in his career, but is open to rapid advancement if it comes with better financial compensation.
Bryce Meredith holds high expectations for himself, just like his longtime friend, Bo Nickal. Both are elite wrestlers with promising MMA careers, but Meredith knows that they each have their unique paths to follow. A three-time All-American wrestler from the University of Wyoming, Meredith has already catcher attention as a top prospect since he decided to try his hand at MMA. With a perfect 3-0 record so far, he’s now set to make his Bellator debut at 135 pounds on Friday.
Although Meredith and Nickal didn’t attend college together, Meredith sees Nickal as family and has been impressed with his friend’s rapid ascent in MMA following only three fights. “Obviously with Bo, he’s on a rocket ship that doesn’t come around very often. A lot of things have to line up perfect, and then him with the talent and of course the way that he has won,” Meredith said. He also acknowledges the pressure that comes with such high expectations, having discussed this with Nickal, whom he’s known since they were 10 years old.
Unlike Nickal’s first UFC experience, Meredith debuts as part of the preliminary card at Bellator 293, which he feels is the perfect opportunity to get his feet wet before making any dramatic leaps with his career. Focused on gaining experience, he knows that he needs more time in the cage, learning lessons through various challenges. He also understands that becoming a bankable attraction for the Paramount-owned promotion requires the right balance of risk and reward. “If they want to fast track me and pay me the money, I’m in. But you don’t want to get fast-tracked for low money,” Meredith remarked.
Although he hasn’t stepped into the Bellator cage yet, Meredith already envisions himself among the top bantamweight fighters. While eager for success, he also recognizes that pacing himself is crucial for a long-lasting career. “You try to be patient and realize that it’s a slow game and I can do this until I’m freaking 37 if I wanted to. I’ve got 10 more years. I don’t have to rush—but you want it,” said Meredith.