“Saturday night didn’t go my way.
This sport has a way of giving you exactly what you need, even when it isn’t what you wanted. I prepared well, I believed in myself, and I stepped in there ready to compete. The result is mine to own.
What disappoints me most is knowing that I took the easy way out when I believed I was up two rounds to zero. Instead of continuing to fight with the urgency and intent that got me there, I allowed myself to get comfortable and tried to protect what I thought I had already earned. Comfortability BREEDS complacency.
I played possum in probably the most important third round of my career. I consciously made the decision to play it safe because I thought I had secured the win, and that decision cost me everything. At this level, you can’t assume anything, you can’t coast, and you can’t leave your fate in anyone else’s hands. I paid the ultimate price for that lesson Saturday night, and it’s one I’ll carry with me for the rest of my career.
I’ve been doing this long enough to understand that one night doesn’t define the work, the growth, or the person behind it. Wins deserve to be appreciated, and losses deserve to be learned from.
I’ll take some time, reflect, and see what’s next for me.
Grateful for the opportunity. Proud to represent the people in my corner. Most importantly, I’m healthy, I’m surrounded by people I love, and my faith in God remains bigger than any win or loss. There’s a lot to be grateful for.”
