Trump jokes he could defeat UFC fighter Bo Nickal, says he has 'tremendous physical advantage’

READING, PENNSYLVANIA: President Donald Trump on Tuesday, June 23, joked that he could compete against UFC fighter Bo Nickal, saying he believed he had a physical advantage because of his size and weight. 

Trump made the remarks while introducing Nickal at a Mack Trucks facility in Reading, Pennsylvania, where he praised the fighter’s wrestling background and undefeated record. Trump also highlighted his own athletic ability by referencing his golf skills.

Trump compares himself to UFC fighter Bo Nickal 

Trump highlighted the fighter’s recent appearance at the UFC Freedom 250 event before joking that he could compete against him.

“A very special guest who you just saw on the highest-rated fight show ever in the history of television, the UFC Freedom 250,” Trump said. “So this guy, I just have to set it up a little bit if I don't... Because I'm thinking, you know, I'm a similar size. I'm actually, I weigh more than he does, actually. So therefore, I have a tremendous physical advantage over him,” Trump said.

Trump acknowledged Nickal’s younger age and physical condition while continuing the comparison. “His muscles are slightly harder and slightly younger. He's not younger, but I think I can do it because I'm a great athlete,” he said.

The president also referenced his golf ability while joking about how he would fare against the professional fighter. “He knows I'm a very good golfer. And I'm much better off on the golf course against him than I'm on the wrestling mat,” Trump said.

Trump also praised Nickal’s wrestling achievements, noting his success at Penn State and his near-undefeated collegiate career. “But he went virtually undefeated. I mean, he went four years. He was the top wrestler,” Trump said. “Bo Nickal went, I mean, you couldn't defeat the guy.”

Nickal recalls meeting Trump and thanks him for UFC event

Nickal spoke at the rally, reflecting on his previous meeting with Trump and his experience competing at the White House’s UFC Freedom 250 event. 

“I met President Trump. It was in 2019 at the White House, and our team and I won the nationals, NCAA at Penn State...and it was really special because he took a lot of extra time to talk with us as wrestlers,” Nickal said.

Reflecting on the UFC event at the White House, Nickal said seeing Trump nearby during his fight made the experience especially memorable. “And fast forward seven years, I'm fighting on the White House lawn, and I turn and look at my corner, and President Trump is right next to him. And so it really felt, it felt to me like he was in my corner,” he said.

Trump ended the exchange by asking the crowd whether he could defeat Bo Nickal or another wrestler if he trained for the next few months.  After the audience responded “No,” Trump joked back, saying, “You’re very disloyal.”