After the UFC White House event was announced, Bo Nickal was confirmed to fight Kyle Daukaus. Nickal, 30, had hoped to face Colby Covington instead, which led to a public back-and-forth between the two fighters.
Covington, a former UFC interim welterweight champion, addressed Nickal directly in a YouTube video, explaining what would be required for a fight between them to occur.
Covington’s Weight Class Challenge
Covington said Nickal must drop to welterweight if he truly wants to face him.
“Alright Bozo, I know you’re a big fan of weight classes and refused to wrestle a 50 year old man who was 6lbs too heavy,” Covington said.
He added, “You won’t stop talking about us being the same weight, which is honestly refreshing to hear because I’m 190lbs right now and will weigh 170lbs without a problem on a full camp.”
Covington explained that the fight should happen in a division where stakes matter and rankings are relevant.
“So if we’re the same weight like you claim, that means you’re 190lbs right now and a full camp should get you down to 170lbs as well. I propose we do this in a weight class where one of us is ranked and there’s actual stakes.”
Respect for Other Fighters
Covington emphasized that he will not take an opportunity away from fighters who have earned their place on the card, referring to Kyle Daukaus.
“So how about bring that stupid ginger bowl cut down to 170lbs Lloyd Christmas, and I’ll grant you your wish to fight the biggest name in the welterweight division… But let’s be crystal clear, I won’t take away the opportunity from someone who, unlike you, has done things the hard way to earn a spot on a big card like Kyle Daukaus.”
Despite not having a UFC win since 2022, Covington remains in the top fifteen of the welterweight division. He has also questioned the UFC’s matchmaking approach, stating that the promotion “don’t care anymore” when it comes to making big fights in the sport.
Nickal, meanwhile, will move forward with his scheduled bout against Daukaus at the White House event.
For now, the fight between Covington and Nickal remains only a topic of discussion. Covington’s condition is clear: Nickal must cut weight to 170 pounds and respect fighters who already earned spots on major events.
Whether the two meet in the Octagon remains to be seen, but the rivalry and public exchange have already captured attention from fans.
