Bo Nickal has spent his entire athletic career thriving under pressure, and he expects UFC White House to be no different. He returns to action on Sunday night against Kyle Daukaus in what he describes as the biggest stage of his career, embracing the spotlight and all that comes along with it.
“I feel like I’m grateful for all the opportunities that I’ve been given to compete at big events, and exciting places,” Nickal told reporters including Cageside Press on Wednesday.
“This is definitely the biggest and most exciting that I’ve been a part of and overall just feeling really grateful for the opportunity. It’s a blessing so want to make the most of it.”
Nickal (8-1) said competing under the bright lights has never been something he’s shied away from, pointing to a lifetime spent performing in pressure filled situations dating back to his wrestling career. Rather than viewing the magnitude of events like UFC White House as a burden or adding pressure, the middleweight sees them as opportunities to elevate his performance and showcase his best work.
“Big moments like this are a part of that. My whole life and whole career have been big moments and they always continue to get bigger and more exciting and this is another one of those,” he said.
“I don’t really try to minimize it or diminish it at all. It’s something that’s exciting. The bigger the moment the better I’m going to perform.”
Nickal described his relationship with President Donald Trump as one of the more unexpected developments of his rise in combat sports, saying he has been grateful for the support and encouragement he’s received along the way. The former NCAA wrestling champion admitted that moments like golfing with a sitting president are still wild to process, especially considering his small town upbringing in Wyoming.
“Our relationship has been unique. It’s been something that…I’ve appreciate it a lot. As somebody who is as powerful and busy and doing all the things that he’s doing, he does take time out of his day to give me a call once in a while,” he said.
“Been golfing with him a couple times and it’s surreal to be able to do that. I grew up in a town of 5,000 people in Wyoming and to be able to like golf with the president and hang out with him is like unbelievable. I just really appreciate how genuine and authentic he is all the time. Pumped to be able to be part of this event.”
Nickal couldn’t resist taking a playful jab when asked about Colby Covington’s reported retirement, turning the topic into an opportunity for some lighthearted trash talk. He suggested Covington’s decision to walk away may have had less to do with timing and more to do with avoiding a potential matchup with him.
“Yeah crazy. He doesn’t want to fight me so bad that he ended his entire career,” he said.
“Probably a smart move on his part.”
Watch the entire media day scrum with Bo Nickal above. He faces Kyle Daukaus at UFC White House on Sunday night.
