Covington's Bold Request for Trump to Present UFC Title
In a move that has sparked widespread discussion in the MMA community, welterweight fighter Colby Covington has made a public request for former President Donald Trump to present him with the championship belt should he emerge victorious at UFC 296. Known for his brash confidence and political statements, Covington is preparing to step into the octagon against current champion Leon Edwards, with the goal of claiming the undisputed welterweight title for an impressive third time.
The tradition within the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) typically sees Dana White, the organization’s president, wrapping the belt around the waist of the victor. However, Covington has expressed a desire to break from convention, hoping to see Trump play a role in his potential victory celebration. This request comes despite White's previous dismissal of the idea of Trump accompanying Covington to the octagon.
While the UFC has yet to make a formal statement regarding Covington's unconventional petition, there is precedent for celebrity appearances during title presentations. Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson notably presented the BMF title at UFC 244, showcasing the UFC's openness to high-profile involvement under special circumstances.
Covington's Relationship with Trump
The relationship between Covington and Trump extends beyond mere admiration. The two share a well-documented friendship, with Trump having attended UFC 295 to support Covington. Further emphasizing their close ties, Covington revealed that he had recently visited Trump at his Mar-a-Lago residence and regularly communicates with him, even discussing fight strategies.
Covington's affinity for the former president is palpable in his remarks: "I love Dana; he's the greatest promoter in the history of any sport; he's the greatest commissioner," Covington stated, before 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."
He further expressed his admiration by stating his intention to reciprocate the gesture, saying, "I'm going to put it right back around Donald's waist because he's the champion of the people." Covington's commentary underscores his belief in Trump's symbolic significance to his fanbase and the broader public.
The Road to UFC 296
Covington's journey to this title shot has been marked by determination and skill, as evidenced by his professional MMA record of 17-3-0. His last bout was a showdown against Jorge Masvidal at UFC 272, setting the stage for his upcoming challenge against Edwards.
On the other side of the octagon stands Leon Edwards, the reigning welterweight champion with an impressive record of 21 wins, three losses, and one no-contest. Edwards secured the welterweight title at UFC 278 and successfully defended it at UFC 286, cementing his status as a formidable opponent.
Despite the respect due to Edwards' accomplishments, Covington has not shied away from downplaying his opponent's stature in the lead-up to their clash. "Leon is a nobody, he is the B-side and I'm the A-side," Covington confidently proclaimed, highlighting his own marketability and star power. He also pointed to Trump's attendance as a testament to his own prominence, questioning, "I have the most important and famous person on planet earth coming to my fights to watch me front row. Who does Leon have?"
Anticipation Builds for UFC 296
As UFC 296 approaches, anticipation continues to build. Fans and pundits alike are eager to see whether Covington can realize his ambition of becoming the undisputed welterweight champion once more. Moreover, the potential involvement of Donald Trump in the event adds an additional layer of intrigue to what promises to be a captivating night in Las Vegas.
With both fighters holding strong records and the stakes higher than ever, the MMA world awaits what could be a historic moment in the sport. Whether or not Trump will be granted the opportunity to present the belt remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: Covington's request has added an extra dose of excitement to an already highly anticipated fight.