A former Penn State wrestler will fight in UFC Freedom 250 on White House lawn
Penn State wrestling will have an alum fighting on the South Lawn of the White House Sunday night.
Bo Nickal will take part in UFC Freedom 250, an event named after the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence that was initially announced by President Donald Trump in July 2025. Nickal will take on Kyle Daukaus in the second of seven fights on the card, with the event slated to begin at 8 p.m.
State College area restaurant Happy Valley Live will be hosting a watch party in support of Nickal, with tickets available for those interested. Individual tickets cost $50 and include two drink tickets, a raffle ticket to win a Pit Boss grill, a meet and greet with Penn State and Nittany Lion Wrestling Club wrestlers, and food.
The former Nittany Lion was dominant in his time in Happy Valley, winning three NCAA titles and three Big Ten titles in his four seasons of competition — which also included back-to-back undefeated seasons in his junior and senior years. He finished his Penn State wrestling career with a record of 120-3.
Nickal has retained ties to Centre County after leaving PSU, partnering with American Top Team to open an MMA gym in Pleasant Gap. His dad, Jason, is the State College wrestling head coach.
The former Penn State wrestler started his mixed martial arts career by going 7-0 before falling to Reinier de Ridder by TKO in May 2025. He’s since bounced back with a knockout victory over Rodolfo Vieira in November. Seven of Nickal’s eight wins have been by finish, with four coming by submission and three coming by knockout.
Daukaus is a Pennsylvania native who is 17-4 (1) in his career and currently has a six-fight winning streak. He’s finished his last four fights early, with two by knockout and two by decision, including winning in less than a minute in his last two fights.
UFC Freedom 250 will be streamed exclusively on Paramount+.
