Covington's Special Request for Trump
Outspoken mixed martial artist Colby Covington has made an unusual request ahead of his upcoming bout at UFC 296 in Las Vegas. Known for his brash confidence and political statements, Covington has expressed his desire for former President Donald Trump to be the one to wrap the welterweight title around his waist should he emerge victorious.
The standard practice within the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) is for the organization's president, Dana White, to present the championship belt to the winner. However, Covington, who is no stranger to breaking from tradition, has asked for this norm to be set aside on his behalf. His connection with Trump isn't merely through shared ideologies; they share a strong personal friendship, which has been highlighted by Covington's frequent visits to Mar-a-Lago and regular phone conversations seeking advice.
Trump's History with the UFC
Donald Trump's presence in the world of MMA is not unprecedented. He has been seen attending major events, such as UFC 295 at Madison Square Garden. However, the idea of a former president participating directly in the ceremonial aspects of a fight night is uncharted territory. Dana White, while known for his close relationship with Trump, dismissed the idea of him accompanying Covington to the octagon, possibly due to logistical or protocol concerns.
It's worth noting that celebrity appearances during title presentations have occurred before. Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson famously presented the "BMF" title at UFC 244, showcasing the UFC's willingness to deviate from standard procedures for high-profile events.
Covington's Pursuit of the Title
Covington's focus remains on the task at hand: defeating Leon Edwards to claim the undisputed welterweight championship for what would be the third time in his career. His professional record stands at an impressive 17 wins and 3 losses, with his last fight being a victory over Jorge Masvidal at UFC 272. Covington's confidence is sky-high, and he doesn't shy away from dismissing Edwards, referring to him as a "nobody" and the "B-side" of their matchup.
On the other side, Leon Edwards enters the octagon with a formidable record of 21 wins, three losses, and one no-contest. Having won the welterweight title at UFC 278 and defended it at UFC 286, Edwards is not an opponent to be underestimated. Yet, Covington's bravado seems unshaken as he continues to hype the fight, leveraging his relationship with Trump to elevate his own status as the "A-side" of the event.
Covington's Relationship with Dana White
In spite of his request for Trump's involvement, Covington has been vocal about his respect for Dana White. He praised White as "the greatest promoter in the history of any sport" and "the greatest commissioner." His appeal to have Trump present the belt was framed as a polite and respectful petition for White to step aside for this particular occasion.
Moreover, Covington's admiration for Trump goes beyond mere fandom. He views the former president as a mentor and coach, claiming to receive valuable advice for his fights. The fighter's rhetoric suggests that having Trump involved in the title presentation would be more than just a publicity stunt; it would be an acknowledgment of the role he believes Trump has played in his career and life.
The Anticipation Builds for UFC 296
As the anticipation for UFC 296 builds, the spotlight shines not only on the fighters' physical prowess but also on the spectacle surrounding the event. Whether Trump will take part in the potential victory ceremony remains uncertain, as the UFC has yet to comment on Covington's request. Nonetheless, the buzz generated by Covington's bold call has added an extra layer of intrigue to an already highly anticipated fight.
With the stage set for a dramatic showdown, fans eagerly await to see if Covington can back up his words and reclaim the welterweight title. And if he does, all eyes will be on who steps into the octagon to crown the champion—a moment that could prove to be as memorable as the fight itself.