Covington's Championship Ambitions
Colby Covington, the polarizing figure in the world of mixed martial arts, has expressed a unique wish ahead of his potential welterweight title victory at UFC 296: he wants none other than former President Donald Trump to present him with the championship belt. This request deviates from the tradition of UFC President Dana White doing the honors.
The brash contender is slated to face off against current champion Leon Edwards in Las Vegas, with hopes of securing the undisputed welterweight championship for what would be an impressive third time. While the UFC has yet to issue a statement regarding Covington's unconventional request, it has raised eyebrows and added an extra layer of intrigue to the upcoming bout.
Presidential Presence in the Octagon?
Covington's connection to Trump is well-documented, with a friendship that has seen the former president attend UFC 295 at Madison Square Garden to support Covington. Despite their rapport, Dana White has dismissed the idea of Trump accompanying Covington during his walk to the octagon. However, this hasn't dampened Covington's confidence, as he remains assured in his ability to dethrone Edwards.
Notably, celebrity appearances in the UFC are not unprecedented. Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson previously presented a title at a UFC event, which may lend some credence to the possibility of Trump's involvement, should Covington emerge victorious.
A Tale of Two Fighters
This fight marks Covington's third attempt to claim the undisputed championship, boasting a professional Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) record of 17 wins and 3 losses. His last appearance in the octagon was against Jorge Masvidal at UFC 272, a fight that solidified his position as a top contender.
On the other side, Edwards enters the fight with an impressive record of 21 victories, three defeats, and one no-contest. He captured the welterweight title at UFC 278 and successfully defended it at UFC 286, proving himself a formidable champion.
Covington's Confidence and Controversy
The outspoken Covington has never been one to shy away from bold statements or controversy. In a series of quotes, he praised Dana White as "the greatest promoter in the history of any sport," yet he didn't hesitate to ask for Trump's participation over White's traditional role. Covington's admiration for Trump is evident as he plans to reciprocate the gesture by placing the belt around Trump's waist, whom he calls "the champion of the people."
His relationship with Trump appears to extend beyond mere public support, with Covington revealing that he has visited Trump's Mar-a-Lago residence and regularly consults with him for advice on fight strategy, even referring to him as a good friend and coach.
Further stoking the fires of rivalry, Covington dismissed his opponent Edwards as a "nobody," branding himself the "A-side" of the fight. The brash fighter's comments reflect his self-assuredness and aim to diminish Edwards' status, despite the latter's achievements as the reigning welterweight champion.
Conclusion
As UFC 296 approaches, the anticipation builds not only for the clash between two top-tier welterweights but also for the potential political pageantry that could accompany a Covington win. Whether Trump will be granted the opportunity to strap the belt around Covington's waist remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Colby Covington knows how to keep the world of MMA talking, both inside and outside the octagon.