Colby Covington's Special Request for UFC 296
In an unusual move that's stirring up the world of mixed martial arts, Colby Covington has expressed a unique wish: he wants former President Donald Trump to present him with the welterweight title should he emerge victorious at UFC 296. Known for his brash personality and strong political opinions, Covington is preparing to face Leon Edwards in Las Vegas with the aim of reclaiming the undisputed welterweight championship for the third time.
The tradition at UFC events is for Dana White, the organization's president, to wrap the belt around the waist of the champion. However, Covington has made it clear that he would prefer Trump to take on this role during his potential victory celebration. The UFC, thus far, has not issued any statements regarding Covington's request.
Celebrity appearances are not entirely unprecedented in the UFC; Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson has previously presented a title at a UFC event, which adds a layer of intrigue to whether the organization might acquiesce to Covington's appeal. Covington's connection with Trump is well-documented, as the two share a strong friendship, with Trump having attended UFC 295 to support Covington at Madison Square Garden.
Dana White's Stance
Despite the close relationship between Covington and Trump, Dana White has dismissed the idea of Trump accompanying Covington to the octagon. This stance by White underscores the UFC's typical protocol and the rarity of deviating from it. Nevertheless, Covington remains undeterred and confident not only in his request but also in his upcoming bout against Edwards.
Covington's Confidence and Record
Covington's confidence heading into the fight is palpable. He has declared his intention to win back the title and dedicate the victory to Trump, whom he refers to as "the champion of the people." His professional MMA record stands at an impressive 17-3-0, with his last fight being a showdown against Jorge Masvidal at UFC 272. As Covington prepares for his third shot at becoming the undisputed welterweight champion, his resolve appears stronger than ever.
On the other side of the octagon, Leon Edwards brings a formidable record of 21 wins, three losses, and one no-contest. Having won the welterweight title at UFC 278 and defended it successfully at UFC 286, Edwards is no stranger to high-stakes competition. Yet, Covington dismisses his opponent's credentials, referring to himself as the "A-side" of the fight and belittling Edwards' status.
Covington's Relationship with Trump
The article highlights Covington's admiration for Trump, quoting him as saying, "I love Dana; he's the greatest promoter in the history of any sport; he's the greatest commissioner." Despite these accolades for White, Covington insists, "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."
Covington's rapport with Trump extends beyond public appearances and into personal territory, with Covington sharing details about visiting Trump's Mar-a-Lago residence and regularly seeking advice from the former president. "He's given me great coaching advice for this fight," Covington claims, underscoring the depth of their relationship.
The fighter's comments also reveal a psychological edge he seeks to maintain over Edwards, boasting about the high-profile support he receives from Trump. "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 taunts, aiming to get into his opponent's head before they even step into the octagon.
Conclusion
As UFC 296 approaches, the anticipation builds not only for what promises to be an electrifying match-up but also for the potential political pageantry that could accompany a Covington win. Whether or not Trump will be granted the honor of presenting the championship belt remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Colby Covington is set on making UFC 296 an unforgettable event, both inside and outside the cage.