Summary
Colby at a UFC event. Photo: Reproduction/Facebook/colbycovmma
One of the main prospects in MMA today, Bo Nickal already has a date set to return to the most famous octagon in the world, precisely at the expected event at the White House. However, it can be said that his opponent will not be the first option considered by the matchmakers . In an interview on the 'Pound 4 Pound' podcast last Wednesday (11), the middleweight sensation (up to 83,9 kg) surprised by revealing that the initial plans of the Ultimate executives were a duel between him and Colby Covington , which was reportedly rejected by the former interim welterweight champion (up to 77,1 kg).
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The wrestler avoided words like fear or cowardice when discussing Covington's refusal to fight him, opting instead for a line of reasoning linked to financial issues. Historically, Chaos has always been a difficult wrestler to negotiate with, to the point of having known clashes with Dana White and the company's matchmakers.
“They told him that if he wanted a place in the race for the White House, he would have to face Bo. He decided he didn’t want to fight me and that it was worth not being on the card. I’m sure he probably wanted more money. The UFC probably didn’t want to pay more,” Nickal stated.
Bo Nickal says UFC told Colby Covington he'd only get on the White House card if he fought him but Colby said no 👀
“They told him if you wanted 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.”… pic.twitter.com/HWlL9AA8op
— Red Corner MMA (@RedCorner_MMA) March 12, 2026
Recently, Covington himself came out publicly to criticize the UFC's matchmaking at the White House. Held in celebration of the 250th anniversary of the United States' Independence, a huge expectation was created for the event, which was relatively frustrated after the announcement of the main card last Saturday (7). Nickal, for example, will face Kyle Daukaus , recently signed by the company and a name little known among casual fans.
The White House is the seat of the US government. Photo: Reproduction X/WhiteHouse
Check out the main card for UFC Casa Branca.
Lightweight (up to 70,3 kg): Ilia Topuria vs. Justin Gaethje – title fight
Heavyweight (up to 120,2 kg): Alex “Poatan” Pereira vs. Ciryl Gane – fight for the interim belt
Bantamweight (up to 61,2 kg): Sean O'Malley vs. Aiemann Zahabi
Lightweight (up to 70,3 kg): Mauricio Ruffy vs. Michael Chandler
Average weight (up to 83,9 kg): Bo Nickal x Kyle Daukaus
Featherweight (up to 65,7 kg): Diego Lopes vs. Steve Garcia
Johnny Walker opens up about his heavyweight debut at UFC 332.
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