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Covington Today
By the People, for the People
Bo Nickal Claims UFC Offered Colby Covington White House Card Spot If He Fought Him
Nickal says Covington turned down the fight, likely wanting more money than the UFC was willing to pay.
Mar. 12, 2026 at 2:48pm
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According to rising UFC middleweight star Bo Nickal, the UFC offered Colby Covington a spot on the upcoming White House card if he agreed to fight Nickal. However, Nickal claims Covington turned down the fight, likely because he wanted more money than the UFC was willing to pay for the matchup.
Why it matters
This story highlights the ongoing rivalry and potential future matchup between two of the UFC's most polarizing figures, Bo Nickal and Colby Covington. It also provides insight into the UFC's strategy of using high-profile event opportunities to incentivize fighters to take certain matchups.
The details
Nickal says the UFC told Covington he could get on the White House card if he fought Nickal, but Covington declined. Nickal believes Covington likely wanted more money than the UFC was willing to pay for the fight. The backstory between the two fighters has been building, with Covington and Luke Rockhold previously making dismissive comments about Nickal that drew a response. While the White House fight never materialized, Nickal is now set to face Kyle Daukaus at UFC Freedom 250 on June 14, a matchup that will help determine if Nickal is ready for the next level of competition at middleweight.
- The UFC offered Covington the White House card spot if he fought Nickal.
- Nickal will face Kyle Daukaus at UFC Freedom 250 on June 14, 2026.
The players
Bo Nickal
A rising UFC middleweight star who is usually respectful but has been waiting for a fight with Colby Covington.
Colby Covington
A UFC welterweight fighter who the UFC reportedly offered a spot on the White House card if he fought Nickal, but he turned down the fight.
Kyle Daukaus
Nickal's upcoming opponent at UFC Freedom 250, a fighter who was released by the UFC, built a six-fight winning streak, and has now earned a second contract with the promotion.
What they’re saying
“They told him if you want to be on the White House card, you gotta fight Bo. He decided he didn't want to fight me and it was worth it to not be on the card. I'm sure he probably wanted more money. The UFC probably didn't want to pay more.”
— Bo Nickal
What’s next
Nickal will face Kyle Daukaus at UFC Freedom 250 on June 14, 2026, a matchup that will help determine if Nickal is ready for the next level of competition at middleweight.
The takeaway
This story highlights the ongoing rivalry and potential future matchup between two of the UFC's most polarizing figures, Bo Nickal and Colby Covington. It also provides insight into the UFC's strategy of using high-profile event opportunities to incentivize fighters to take certain matchups, though in this case, the financial demands of Covington appear to have been a sticking point.
