Former NCAA Rivals Bo Nickal and Josh Hokit Set for Showdown at White House Event

Nickal recalls Hokit as the only wrestler who 'tried to beat me' ahead of their UFC matchup

Apr. 12, 2026 at 8:23pm

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A fractured, multi-perspective painting in bold colors depicting the intense physical struggle of a wrestling match, capturing the competitive spirit between the two fighters.The upcoming UFC clash between former NCAA wrestling rivals Bo Nickal and Josh Hokit promises to be a hard-fought battle, with their collegiate history adding an extra layer of intrigue.Fresno Today

After Josh Hokit's impressive victory over Curtis Blaydes at UFC 327, his former NCAA wrestling rival Bo Nickal praised Hokit's competitive spirit, recalling how Hokit was the only wrestler who 'tried to beat me' during their college days. Now, the two will face off again, this time in the Octagon, as Hokit has been booked to fight Derrick Lewis at the upcoming Freedom 250 event at the White House.

Why it matters

The matchup between Nickal and Hokit, who were once top collegiate wrestlers, adds an intriguing backstory to their upcoming UFC fight. It also highlights the growing prominence of former NCAA wrestlers in the MMA world, as well as the UFC's continued efforts to stage high-profile events at unique venues like the White House.

The details

Nickal and Hokit were both standout wrestlers in the 197-pound weight class, with Nickal representing Penn State and Hokit competing for Fresno State. The two met in the quarterfinals of the 2019 NCAA Championships, where Nickal emerged victorious. However, Hokit still built a reputation as a tough, competitive wrestler, finishing fifth at the championships and earning All-American status.

  • Nickal and Hokit wrestled each other in the quarterfinals of the 2019 NCAA Championships on March 21, 2019.
  • Hokit defeated Curtis Blaydes via unanimous decision at UFC 327 on April 12, 2026.
  • The Hokit vs. Derrick Lewis fight at the Freedom 250 event will take place on June 14, 2026 at the White House.

The players

Bo Nickal

A former NCAA wrestler who competed for Penn State University and is now a rising star in the UFC.

Josh Hokit

A former NCAA wrestler who competed for Fresno State University and is now a UFC fighter coming off an impressive win over Curtis Blaydes.

Derrick Lewis

A veteran UFC heavyweight fighter who will face Josh Hokit at the upcoming Freedom 250 event at the White House.

Dana White

The President and CEO of the UFC, who booked the Hokit vs. Lewis fight after a conversation with U.S. President Donald Trump.

Donald Trump

The President of the United States, who was present at UFC 327 and asked Dana White why Derrick Lewis was not fighting at the upcoming White House event.

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What they’re saying

“Josh Hokit was the only guy I wrestled my senior year of college who actually tried to beat me and not just stall.”

— Bo Nickal

“Then the Hokit fight happens, and I had the headphones on, and Joe Rogan goes, 'Is there any other slot open for the White House card for Hokit?' I was like, 'Holy s—t.' So I grabbed Mick and said, 'Go back there and talk to him, see if he's in.' And Hokit was getting into an ambulance and said yes.”

— Dana White, UFC President

What’s next

The highly anticipated Hokit vs. Lewis fight at the Freedom 250 event at the White House is scheduled for June 14, 2026.

The takeaway

The upcoming matchup between former NCAA rivals Bo Nickal and Josh Hokit adds an intriguing backstory to their UFC fight, showcasing the growing prominence of collegiate wrestlers in the MMA world. The fact that their fight will take place at the prestigious Freedom 250 event at the White House further highlights the UFC's ambition to stage high-profile events at unique venues.