How to resolve a conflict without looking like a coward.?

Sometimes when I go out to clubs I end up in a situation where there is a conflict between me and some other guy and he will say he wants to fight me. At that point I usually would fight them because if I dont then they are going to make fun of me and call me a "*****" or something like that. I know most people would say "Who cares what they think, just walk away." which is a good idea in some situations but sometimes I'm with some girls and I know that if I walk away then they will think I'm a pushover. I don't mind walking away but if I look like a chump then I other people won't respect me. Any advice on how to handle these types of situations?