Tom Nolan’s family still proud of Toowoomba fighter who will ‘be back’
Tom Nolan’s UFC loss in Las Vegas was felt on the other side of the world by his family, friends and fans who remain steadfast in their support.
Toowoomba
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More than 200 people filed into the City Golf Club from 7am on Sunday to watch Toowoomba fighter Tom “Big Train” Nolan make his UFC debut live from Las Vegas.
City Golf Club staff were kept busy serving the long line of people looking for that early morning coffee before they found the best vantage points to watch the fight on the big screens surrounding the sports bar.
Unfortunately, the roar of the crowd which filled the golf club as Tom Nolan made his way to the octagon was quietened when Big Train slumped to the canvas after copping a vicious right cross from Brazilian opponent Nikolas Motta.
The referee rightly stopped the fight as Motta threw a flurry of punches at Nolan while he was on the canvas.
While Tom Nolan had his older brother Luke in his corner in Vegas, the rest of the family, including dad Kevin “Nobby” Nolan, mum Collette Smith, sister Grace and her husband Peter and family, and the wider Nolan family were all at the City Golf Club to watch the fight.
Though obviously disappointed, dad Nobby Nolan was philosophical about the result.
“It’s not what I expected, but after all he is fighting the best in the world,” Mr Nolan said.
“We knew he (Motta) had a good right hand, and that right he threw was a ripper that got Tom.
“But that’s sport, that’s how it goes sometimes, and Tom will learn from that.
“I’m sure he’ll be back better for the experience.”
Mr Nolan admitted to being very nervous before his son’s fight but was proud of his son having a go in one of the toughest sports on the planet.
“I was so nervous I was up at 4am because I couldn’t sleep,” he said.
“But to have your son fighting on the big stage in Vegas before a worldwide audience, that is pretty special, and to have his brother Luke in his corner is also very special.
“I haven’t spoken to him yet, obviously, but Tom would be devastated.
“But have a look at how many of his fans turned up this morning to watch him, I’m always proud of my kids.
“He’ll be back.”
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