Bo Nickal: Colby Covington ended career to avoid UFC fight

Bo Nickal says Colby Covington walked away from mixed martial arts rather than accept a fight with him at UFC White House.

The undefeated middleweight told Sean Hannity that the former welterweight title challenger received multiple offers to meet him on the June 14 card in Washington, DC, but passed each time. Nickal referenced conversations with UFC matchmaker Hunter Campbell, who he says confirmed the promotion extended repeated bids. "My conversations with Hunter Campbell at the UFC, who does the negotiations, he's like 'this date, this date, this date … offered, offered, offered … I don't know what you want me to do,'" Nickal said, per MMA Mania.

Covington exits UFC amid callout

Covington announced his retirement last month to pursue a role with Real American Freestyle, a new wrestling venture. Nickal suggested at Wednesday's UFC White House media day that the timing was no accident. "It's crazy that he doesn't want to fight me so bad that he ended his entire career," Nickal said. "Probably a smart move by his part."

Covington has disputed being offered the matchup. Nickal countered that the three-time NCAA Division I national champion has respect for Covington as a competitor but not as a person, adding that a clash between them will never happen.

Nickal instead faces Kyle Daukaus on Saturday in an unranked middleweight bout. The Penn State wrestling product remains unbeaten through six UFC appearances and holds a 7-0 professional record.

Reported via:

• MMA Mania — Bo Nickal claims Colby Covington was so afraid to fight him at UFC White House ‘he ended his entire career’