Colby Covington's Championship Aspirations
In an intriguing twist to the usual Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) title bout narrative, welterweight fighter Colby Covington has expressed his desire for former President Donald Trump to present him with the championship belt should he emerge victorious at UFC 296. Covington is scheduled to face off against Leon Edwards in what promises to be a high-stakes confrontation in Las Vegas.
Covington is not new to the championship scene, as he aims to claim the undisputed welterweight champion title for the third time in his career. The traditional honor of presenting the belt typically falls to Dana White, the UFC president known for his charismatic and influential leadership in the sport. However, Covington has made a special request for Trump's involvement in the ceremony.
The UFC has yet to issue a statement regarding Covington's unusual request. It would not be entirely unprecedented for a non-UFC official to present the belt—Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson did so at a previous UFC event, adding a layer of celebrity spectacle to the proceedings.
Covington's connection with Trump extends beyond mere admiration; the two share a strong personal friendship. Trump's presence at UFC 295 at Madison Square Garden underscores the mutual support between the political figure and the fighter. Despite this bond, Dana White has dismissed the idea of Trump accompanying Covington to the octagon, perhaps to maintain the organization's procedural traditions or avoid potential controversies.
Covington's Confidence and Track Record
Undeterred by organizational norms, Covington exudes confidence in his ability to defeat Edwards. This upcoming fight marks his third attempt at securing the title of undisputed welterweight champion. With a professional Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) record boasting 17 wins and only three losses, Covington's track record speaks to his prowess within the octagon.
His last bout, against Jorge Masvidal at UFC 272, solidified his position as a top contender in the welterweight division. On the other side, Edwards enters the fight with an impressive record of his own, holding 21 wins, three losses, and one no-contest. Having secured the welterweight title at UFC 278 and successfully defending it at UFC 286, Edwards represents a formidable opponent for Covington.
Covington's Words on Trump and Edwards
Covington has been vocal about his respect and admiration for both Dana White and Donald Trump. He praised White as "the greatest promoter in the history of any sport" and "the greatest commissioner." Yet, he respectfully requested that White step aside to allow Trump the honor of presenting the championship belt, should he win.
"But I'm politely and respectfully asking Dana to step aside and let my favorite person and human alive, number 45, Mr. Donald Trump put that belt around my waist," Covington stated, emphasizing his preference for Trump's participation over the customary role played by White.
Further elaborating on his relationship with Trump, Covington shared insights into their friendship and Trump's involvement in his fight preparations. "He is my good friend; it's not like I was just meeting up with him every couple of months," Covington revealed. "I was at his house in Mar-a-Lago a couple of weeks ago, I call him regularly to ask him about a game plan. He's given me great coaching advice for this fight."
The fighter also took a moment to compare his star power to that of his opponent, Edwards. "I have the most important and famous person on planet earth coming to my fights to watch me front row. Who does Leon have?" Covington taunted, casting himself as the main attraction—"the A-side"—and labeling Edwards as "a nobody," the "B-side" of their matchup.
As the anticipation for UFC 296 builds, fans and commentators alike are curious to see whether Covington's request will be granted and if his confidence will translate into reclaiming the welterweight championship. Regardless of the outcome, Covington's bold personality and ambitious requests continue to make headlines in the world of mixed martial arts.