Covington's Special Request for UFC 296
In a move that has caught the attention of mixed martial arts (MMA) enthusiasts and political observers alike, welterweight contender 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. Known for his outspoken support of Trump, Covington is gearing up for a high-stakes bout against reigning champion Leon Edwards in Las Vegas, aiming to reclaim the undisputed welterweight title.
Trump's Potential Involvement
Typically, UFC President Dana White is the one who straps the belt around the waist of the victor. However, Covington has made a unique request, asking for Trump's involvement in the ceremonial passing of the title. "I love Dana; he's the greatest promoter in the history of any sport; he's the greatest commissioner," Covington praised White. He continued, "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."
The UFC has yet to issue a statement regarding this unusual petition. It's not unprecedented for a celebrity to play a role in a UFC title presentation, as evidenced when Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson did the honors at a previous event. Nevertheless, White has publicly dismissed the idea of Trump accompanying Covington to the octagon, leaving the matter unresolved.
A Friendship Beyond the Octagon
Covington's connection with Trump extends beyond mere political endorsement. The fighter spoke of their close relationship, saying, "He is my good friend, it's not like I was just meeting up with him every couple of months." He added, "I was at his house in Mar-a-Lago a couple of weeks ago, I call him regularly to ask him about a gameplan. He's given me great coaching advice for this fight." Trump's presence at UFC events isn't new; he attended UFC 295 at Madison Square Garden, demonstrating his interest in the sport.
Covington's Confidence and Record
As Covington prepares for his third attempt to become the undisputed welterweight champion, his confidence remains unshaken. He boasts a professional MMA record of 17-3-0, with his last fight being a victory over Jorge Masvidal at UFC 272. Covington's self-assurance spills over into his view of the competition, as he dismisses Edwards' standing, stating, "Leon is a nobody, he is the B-side and I'm the A-side."
Edwards, however, is far from a pushover. Holding a record of 21 wins, three losses, and one no-contest, Edwards claimed the welterweight title at UFC 278 and successfully defended it at UFC 286. His track record speaks to a formidable opponent who stands between Covington and his goal of becoming a three-time undisputed champion.
The A-Side Versus the B-Side
Covington's remarks underline the psychological warfare often present in combat sports, where fighters seek to gain any advantage before stepping into the octagon. "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 questioned rhetorically, emphasizing his high-profile support and attempting to cast doubt on Edwards' status and backing.
This upcoming fight at UFC 296 is more than just another title match—it's a confluence of sports, personality, and even politics. With Covington's brash style and his connection to Trump, the event is sure to draw attention from a wide array of spectators. Whether or not Trump will be involved in the potential victory ceremony remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: all eyes will be on the octagon when Covington and Edwards face off, each determined to leave as the undisputed welterweight champion of the world.