Bo Nickal calls out Colby Covington over UFC White House fight drama. [Image Source: REDD]
On March 10, 2026, Bo Nickal publicly criticized Colby Covington for declining a fight set for the UFC’s upcoming White House event, accusing him of cowardice. The historic card, scheduled to take place at the White House in Washington, D.C., marks America’s 250th anniversary and will coincide with President Donald Trump’s birthday on June 14. Nickal, who was eager to face Covington, revealed that the UFC presented an official offer to “Chaos” to fight him on this unique occasion, but Covington refused.
The UFC White House card is a high-profile event featuring stars like Ilia Topuria, Justin Gaethje, Alex Pereira, Ciryl Gane, Sean O’Malley, Michael Chandler, and Bo Nickal himself. Despite Covington’s well-known patriotic stance and his vocal support for the MAGA movement, he chose not to participate in this once-in-a-lifetime fight opportunity.
Detailed Account of the UFC’s Proposal and Covington’s Response
Bo Nickal spoke candidly during an interview on The Ariel Helwani Show, explaining the UFC’s efforts to set up the fight against Covington.
“Asked for him, and the UFC tried to make the fight,”
Nickal said. He went on to assert,
“I know they talked to him extensively, and you know. Long story short, he just wouldn’t do it. So he would, rather, you know, be a coward and not fight me than be on the White House card, which is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”
He expressed frustration at Covington’s apparent unwillingness to back up his previous trash talk by accepting the fight. Nickal accused the veteran contender of avoiding an important chance to prove himself:
Image of: UFC
“So I mean. I think that says. Pretty much everything about the guy that he’s willing to talk like that and make those statements and tell me I’m easy work. And then he was given this huge opportunity to compete against me. Still, you know, wouldn’t wouldn’t do it.”
UFC White House Event Background and Significance
The UFC’s White House event carries significant patriotic symbolism, coming during the U.S. 250th year anniversary and Donald Trump’s birthday. For a fighter like Covington, known for his rugged nationalism and outspoken support for Trump, participating would have been a fitting stage for his return to the octagon. Instead, the card now moves forward without “Chaos,” creating openings for other fighters like Kyle Daukaus, who will face Bo Nickal in the second match of the evening.
The clash between Nickal and Daukaus is one to watch, but questions remain about what might have transpired had Covington accepted the challenge and fought Nickal on this prominent platform.
Nickal’s Confidence About Defeating Covington Despite Experience Gap
Colby Covington brings a wealth of MMA experience, having competed professionally for over a decade. By contrast, Bo Nickal is relatively new to the sport but carries an impressive wrestling pedigree as a three-time NCAA Division I national champion—something Covington never achieved. Despite Nickal’s shorter MMA record, with only nine fights, he expressed unwavering confidence about his chances against Covington.
Nickal acknowledged how the fight would likely be perceived by the public and himself, reflecting on the competitive gap:
“Everyone knows everyone knows it would be basically just like leading a lamb to slaughter, which you know it is what it is,”
said Nickal.
“But I think the people want to see it, and it would have been an exciting fight. But for him in his position, I understand, because in a one-on-one sense, I understand, because you’re literally going out there just to get killed.”
Potential Future Implications of the Nickal-Covington Rivalry
The cancellation of the fight for the White House event leaves open the question of whether this rivalry will find its way to the octagon later. Covington has not competed since his December 2024 loss to Joaquin Buckley at UFC Tampa, while Nickal’s most recent victory was an impressive knockout of Rodolfo Vieira at UFC 322.
Looking forward, Nickal is expected to face Kyle Daukaus on June 14, and many observers are curious if Nickal’s performance will reinforce his desire to challenge Covington again. With both fighters’ reputations at stake, the eventual showdown—should it happen—could generate enormous interest given their contrasting styles and backgrounds.
The UFC White House event remains a landmark occasion for the sport, blending celebration of American heritage with exhilarating fights. Though Covington declined to participate, the card will still showcase some of the UFC’s most exciting athletes and may pave the way for future high-profile matchups.
Bo Nickal says Colby Covington was "100%” offered to fight him at the White House but turned it down:
“The [UFC] told him, ‘If you want to be on this card, you have to fight Bo,’ and he said no.
He would rather be a coward and not fight me than be on the White House card, which… pic.twitter.com/dvx7bqphUr
