UFC middleweight Bo Nickal recently stirred controversy during an appearance on the Ariel Helwani Show, claiming that former interim welterweight champion Colby Covington had declined an opportunity to fight him at the anticipated UFC White House event. Covington, however, emphatically rejected Nickal’s allegations, subsequently launching a furious verbal tirade against the wrestling standout.
“That’s false,” Covington asserted, directly addressing the claims. “Hunter [Campbell] and the UFC brass never even considered or proposed such a bout. Why would the UFC offer me a fight in a higher weight class against an unranked opponent?”
“This ‘Bozo’ Nickal is someone who quit for all the world to see,” Covington declared, not holding back. “He fancies himself a fighter, but he’s merely a competitor. We witnessed his true colors during his encounter with the Dutch grappler, Reinier de Ridder. The moment the fight intensified, he folded. He’s a quitter. Why would the UFC schedule me against a quitter? They never offered it, but I would’ve gladly accepted that White House fight – it’s an easy win.”
Covington continued his verbal assault, adding, “He possesses no striking ability, nor can he effectively wrestle or control me on the ground. It would be a straightforward victory.” He concluded his tirade by stating, “Bozo, Bo Nickal is worse than [Jerry] Sandusky.”
Covington speculated that Nickal might have been misinformed, considering it a strong possibility. “The issue is, Bo doesn’t manage his own affairs, keeping him out of touch,” Covington explained. “He’s likely just echoing his manager’s words, whereas I communicate directly with the UFC. I personally engage with Hunter [Campbell]; we’re constantly on calls. Nickal, however, has never interacted with Hunter or any senior UFC executives because he’s never headlined an event.”
“He’s an utter nobody. Fans despise him, I despise him, even Penn State despises him. No one finds him likable; his sense of entitlement and privileged demeanor are constant. He’s achieved nothing,” Covington blasted. “He withdrew from two bouts against a 50-year-old Yoel Romero. Not once, but twice. He’s not a loyal company man, he’s afraid to fight, even afraid to wrestle, having pulled out of two wrestling matches. He’s unreliable, unranked, and a complete ‘Bozo.’ He’s insignificant and not worth my time… The fight was never offered. He’s a ‘Bozo’ who is worse than Sandusky.”