Covington Eyes Trump for Victory Celebration
Colby Covington, the polarizing figure of mixed martial arts, has made a unique request ahead of his upcoming bout at UFC 296. The welterweight contender has expressed his desire for former President Donald Trump to be the one to strap the championship belt around his waist should he emerge victorious in Las Vegas.
Covington is no stranger to the spotlight and is known for his brazen personality both inside and outside the octagon. As he prepares to face off against Leon Edwards, he's not only aiming for victory but also for a memorable coronation. Covington seeks to capture the undisputed welterweight title for an impressive third time, setting his sights on making it a celebration that transcends the sport.
A Presidential Presence in the Octagon?
The tradition of the UFC president presenting the championship belt is well established, with Dana White typically assuming this role during title fights. However, Covington has proposed a break from tradition by requesting the involvement of Trump, a move that would undoubtedly add an extra layer of spectacle to the event. Despite Covington's aspirations, the UFC has remained silent on the matter, neither confirming nor denying the possibility of Trump's participation.
It wouldn't be the first time a high-profile figure has taken part in a UFC title presentation. Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson previously had the honor at a past event, indicating that the organization is not entirely opposed to such guest appearances.
The friendship between Covington and Trump is well-documented, with the former president having attended UFC 295 to support Covington. However, White has poured cold water on the idea of Trump walking Covington to the octagon, suggesting that any involvement from the former head of state would likely be confined to spectating rather than participating.
Covington's Confidence Ahead of the Fight
Despite the uncertainty surrounding his request, Covington's confidence remains unshaken. He has been vocal about his anticipation of defeating Edwards, who currently holds a record of 21 wins, three losses, and one no-contest. Edwards' recent performances have solidified his position as champion, successfully defending his title at UFC 278 and UFC 286. Yet, Covington dismisses his opponent's achievements, branding Edwards as the "B-side" to his "A-side."
This fight marks Covington's third attempt at claiming the undisputed welterweight championship, a testament to his resilience and determination within the division. With a professional MMA record of 17-3-0, Covington's last appearance in the octagon was against Jorge Masvidal at UFC 272—a battle that added another win to his tally.
Covington's Tribute to Trump
In a series of quotes that further illuminate his admiration for Trump, Covington has not held back. "I love Dana; he's the greatest promoter in the history of any sport; he's the greatest commissioner," he acknowledged, while simultaneously making his personal preference clear: "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."
His adulation doesn't stop there. Covington plans to reciprocate the gesture symbolically, stating, "I'm going to put it right back around Donald's waist because he's the champion of the people." This statement not only reflects Covington's political stance but also his intent to share his potential triumph with someone he considers a mentor and friend.
The fighter's connection with Trump extends beyond public appearances and into personal territory. "He is my good friend, it's not like I was just meeting up with him every couple of months," Covington revealed. He shared insights into their relationship, mentioning visits to Mar-a-Lago and regular phone calls discussing strategy, with Trump offering "great coaching advice for this fight."
Covington also took a moment to highlight the significance of Trump's presence at his fights, posing a rhetorical question aimed at diminishing Edwards' status: "I have the most important and famous person on planet earth coming to my fights to watch me front row. Who does Leon have?"
As UFC 296 approaches, the MMA community is abuzz not just with predictions about the outcome of the fight, but also with curiosity about whether Covington's wish will be granted. If Trump does indeed present the belt, it would be an unprecedented moment in UFC history, merging the worlds of sports, politics, and entertainment in a way only Covington could envision.