Feb. 16, 2026, 7:40 p.m. ET
Bo Nickal wants to settle things with Colby Covington at the UFC’s upcoming historic event.
Covington (17-5 MMA, 12-5 UFC) started the beef when he took aim at Nickal during the RAF 5 press conference, where both athletes were scheduled to compete against their respective opponents. Covington claimed Nickal is killing the sport of wrestling with his lack of personality.
With both fighters under the UFC banner, Nickal (8-1 MMA, 5-1 UFC) says why not handle things in the octagon – especially after Covington seriously contemplated a move up to middleweight. But after former interim welterweight champion Covington turned his attention to popular lightweight Paddy Pimblett, Nickal took umbrage with that.
“Colby talks crap about me the n says he wants to move to 185. I say okay let’s fight at the White House. Now he’s trying to run away. What a wimp. Man up and take your beating @ColbyCovMMA.”
After defeating Luke Rockhold in his wrestling match at RAF 5, Covington said he has no interest in competing against Nickal on the mats or in the octagon. Covington hasn’t fought since a TKO loss to Joaquin Buckley in December 2024. Meanwhile, Nickal rebounded from his first octagon loss to Reinier de Ridder with a head kick knockout of Rodolfo Vieira at UFC 322.
Justin Gaethje expects Ilia Topuria as White House headliner: ‘What else?’ Jon Jones: Arthritis won’t prevent me from competing at White House Michael Chandler confident in UFC White House spot, eyes BMF title Marc Ratner: UFC may self-regulate White House card due to ‘federal land’ Colby Covington rips ‘amateur’ Paddy Pimblett, makes White House callout White seems to shut down McGregor-Masvidal UFC White House rumors Stephen Thompson: UFC White House card would be ‘prime time’ to retire Chael Sonnen: UFC wants Conor McGregor vs. ‘a real guy’ at White House
