A Bold Request from Covington Ahead of UFC 296
In a move that's as bold outside the octagon as his fighting style within it, Colby Covington has expressed a unique wish for his potential victory at UFC 296: he wants none other than former President Donald Trump to present the welterweight championship belt to him. This request comes as Covington prepares to face Leon Edwards in Las Vegas with the aim of claiming the undisputed welterweight title for an impressive third time.
The tradition has been for Dana White, the UFC President, to wrap the belt around the waist of the victor. However, Covington has made it clear that he would prefer the honor to be bestowed by Trump. It's worth noting that there is precedent for special guests presenting the belt, as Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson has done so in the past. Yet, the UFC has not made any official statements regarding Covington's request.
Covington and Trump share a strong friendship, which has been well-documented over the years. The former President was present at UFC 295, held at Madison Square Garden, showing support for the fighters. Despite their close relationship, White has dismissed the idea of Trump walking Covington to the octagon, perhaps suggesting that the organization is not looking to blend politics with the sport on such a visible level.
Confidence in the Face of Competition
Undeterred by the UFC's silence on his request, Covington remains confident in his ability to defeat Edwards. He regards this upcoming bout as his third opportunity to secure his legacy as the undisputed welterweight champion. With a professional MMA record boasting 17 wins and only 3 losses, Covington's last fight was against Jorge Masvidal at UFC 272, where he showcased his formidable skills.
On the other side of the octagon stands Leon Edwards, who holds a commendable record of 21 victories, three losses, and one no-contest. Having won the welterweight title at UFC 278 and successfully defended it at UFC 286, Edwards is no stranger to high-stakes competition. Yet, Covington dismisses his opponent's achievements, referring to Edwards as "a nobody," and positioning himself as the main attraction of the event.
Covington's Praise for Dana White and Friendship with Trump
Despite his unusual request, Covington has expressed great respect for Dana White, calling him "the greatest promoter in the history of any sport." His admiration, however, does not sway his conviction that having Trump involved in the title presentation would make the event even more memorable. Covington has been vocal about his relationship with Trump, sharing details of their regular interactions and visits, including strategic discussions at Mar-a-Lago.
"I'm going to put it right back around Donald's waist because he's the champion of the people," Covington stated, reflecting his belief that Trump's presence at the event would signify more than just personal support—it would represent a nod to Trump's continued influence and popularity.
Covington's rhetoric extends beyond his relationship with Trump, as he questions the caliber of support behind his opponent. "I have the most important and famous person on planet earth coming to my fights to watch me front row. Who does Leon have?" he taunted, implying that the star power in his corner overshadows that of Edwards' backing.
Conclusion
As UFC 296 approaches, the anticipation builds not only for the clash between two top-tier welterweights but also for the possible political cameo that Covington has requested. Whether or not Trump will be granted the role of belt presenter remains to be seen, but what's certain is that Covington's flair for the dramatic continues to add an intriguing layer to the spectacle of UFC events. Fans are left to wonder if they'll witness history in the making—both inside the octagon and out.