Colby Covington's Championship Aspirations and Presidential Request
As the anticipation builds for UFC 296 in Las Vegas, welterweight contender Colby Covington has made a unique request that has caught the attention of the mixed martial arts community. Known for his brash personality and outspoken nature, Covington has expressed his desire to have former President Donald Trump present him with the championship belt should he emerge victorious against current titleholder Leon Edwards.
Covington, who is aiming to secure the undisputed welterweight championship for the third time in his career, has a history of aligning himself with high-profile figures, including Trump. The fighter’s bold request deviates from the tradition of UFC President Dana White presenting the belt to the victor. While the UFC has yet to issue a statement regarding Covington's appeal, the notion of a former head of state stepping into this role is not entirely without precedent; Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson previously presented a title at a UFC event, illustrating the organization's occasional willingness to entertain celebrity involvement.
The relationship between Covington and Trump extends beyond mere acquaintanceship, as the two reportedly share a strong friendship. This bond was highlighted when Trump made an appearance at UFC 295, held at the iconic Madison Square Garden, showing support for the MMA athlete. Despite their connection and Trump's presence at past events, White has dismissed the idea of Trump accompanying Covington to the octagon, potentially indicating that the UFC might not be swayed by Covington's personal affiliations when it comes to official ceremonies.
Confidence is something Covington does not lack, especially when discussing his upcoming bout with Edwards. He has publicly stated his assurance in defeating the British fighter, who currently holds an impressive professional MMA record of 21 wins, three losses, and one no-contest. Edwards claimed the welterweight title at UFC 278 and successfully defended it at UFC 286, proving himself a formidable champion.
Covington's own track record in the sport is notable, with a professional record standing at 17-3-0. His last fight took place at UFC 272 against Jorge Masvidal, another top competitor in the division. Now, as Covington prepares for his third attempt to claim the undisputed title, he remains focused on the task at hand while also orchestrating a narrative that extends beyond the octagon.
Covington's Tribute to Trump
The fighter's admiration for the 45th president is no secret within the MMA sphere. Covington's quotes reflect not just respect but genuine affection for Trump. "I love Dana; he's the greatest promoter in the history of any sport; he's the greatest commissioner," Covington acknowledged, adding, "But I'm politely and respectfully asking Dana to step aside and let my favorite person and human alive, 45, Mr. Donald Trump, put that belt around my waist."
In a further homage to his political ally, Covington said, "I'm going to put it right back around Donald's waist because he's the champion of the people." He went on to elaborate on the depth of their relationship, revealing frequent visits and communications with Trump, "He is my good friend; it's not like I was just meeting up with him every couple of months," Covington stated. "I was at his house in Mar-a-Lago a couple of weeks ago, I call him regularly to ask him about a gameplan. He's given me great coaching advice for this fight."
Not one to shy away from stirring controversy or making bold claims, Covington has leveraged Trump's fame to taunt his opponent, questioning Edwards' star power in comparison to his own. "I have the most important and famous person on planet earth coming to my fights to watch me front row. Who does Leon have?" he provocatively asked. In his view, the fight's promotional dynamics are clear-cut: "Leon is a nobody, he is the B-side and I'm the A-side."
Whether or not Trump will grace the UFC 296 event with his presence, or indeed if he will play any part in the potential crowning of Covington as champion, remains to be seen. What is certain, however, is that Covington's flair for combining sportsmanship with spectacle continues to make him one of the most polarizing and watched figures in the world of mixed martial arts today.