Nick Newell reacts to the movie “Notorious Nick” which is based on his life
Nick Newell has had one incredible journey throughout his life.
Newell was born in Connecticut with a congenital amputation of his left arm. Despite only having one arm, Newell didn’t let it hold him back from anything.
At a young age, Newell realized that he can play sports at a high level after watching his idol, Jim Abbott, who pitched in the major leagues and throw a no hitter for the New Yankees while only having one arm.
In high school, Newell decided to go out for his high school wrestling team and at first he hated it and wanted to quit the team, but his mother wouldn’t allow him too. Turns out that his mom knew what she was talking about as Newell would eventually fall in love with the sport and went on to win over 100 matches in his high school wrestling career.
After his wrestling career came to an end, Newell wanted to give MMA a try after watching it on TV. While Newell admits he’s not a conformational person, he found out that he’s a good fighter.
Newell competed in the World Series of Fighting from 2013 to 2015 where he fought former UFC interim lightweight champion Justin Gaethje. In 2018, he had the opportunity to earn a UFC contract as he fought on Dana White’s Contender Series and since 2019 he been fighting under the Bellator MMA banner.
Newell’s journey is now being brought to the Hollywood light as Lionsgate is releasing a film tomorrow on Newell’s life called “Notorious Nick.” The movie will be in select theaters and and be on streaming platforms.
The film features Cody Christian in the lead role as Newell. Christian is known from his roles in Teen Wolf and Pretty Little Liars. Staring along side Christian will be Elisabeth Rohm, Kevin Pollack and Barry Livingston.
Prior to the release of the film tonight at midnight, Newell spoke to MyMMANews about the movie, his wrestling and MMA careers and his relationship with Abbott. You can watch his full interview in the video above.
