Colby Covington's Title Ambitions and a Presidential Touch
In an unconventional twist ahead of UFC 296, welterweight contender Colby Covington has expressed his desire for former President Donald Trump to present the championship belt should he emerge victorious in Las Vegas. Covington, known for his brash confidence and political statements, is preparing to face Leon Edwards with the goal of claiming the undisputed welterweight title for an impressive third time.
The tradition within the UFC has long seen Dana White, the organization's president, perform the honor of wrapping the belt around the waist of the victor. However, Covington has made a special request for Trump to take up this role instead. This move is not entirely without precedent; Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson has previously presented a title at a UFC event, signaling that the promotion is open to high-profile figures taking part in such ceremonies.
While the UFC has yet to issue a statement regarding Covington's request, the fighter's relationship with Trump could be a compelling reason to consider it. The two share a strong friendship, which was evident when Trump attended UFC 295 at Madison Square Garden. Despite this connection, White has publicly dismissed the idea of Trump accompanying Covington to the octagon, perhaps hinting at logistical or other concerns that could complicate such an arrangement.
Covington's confidence extends beyond his potential post-fight celebrations. He has shown unwavering certainty in his ability to defeat Edwards, who himself boasts an impressive record. This bout marks Covington's third attempt to secure the undisputed championship, further fueling his determination to win. With a professional MMA record of 17 wins and only three losses, Covington's last octagon appearance was against Jorge Masvidal at UFC 272—a fight that added to his credentials as a top contender.
His opponent, Edwards, cannot be overlooked, having claimed the welterweight title at UFC 278 and successfully defended it at UFC 286. His career tally stands at 21 victories, three defeats, and one no-contest, painting the picture of a formidable champion ready to defend his reign.
Covington's Praise and Provocation
Amidst the buildup to their encounter, Covington has not shied away from vocalizing his admiration for both Trump and White. He lauded White as "the greatest promoter in the history of any sport," but simultaneously made a respectful plea for the UFC head to step aside for Trump on this occasion. Covington's reverence for the former president is palpable, describing him as "my favorite person and human alive, 45, Mr. Donald Trump."
The fighter's affinity for Trump extends beyond mere fandom; Covington considers Trump a close ally and even a source of strategic advice. "He is my good friend, it's not like I was just meeting up with him every couple of months," Covington stated, revealing visits to Mar-a-Lago and regular phone calls discussing fight strategies. Covington went as far as to say Trump had provided "great coaching advice for this fight," underscoring the depth of their rapport.
Not one to mince words, Covington also took aim at his opponent's star power, or lack thereof, in his view. "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 quipped, framing the narrative of the fight as one between a protagonist with celebrity backing and an antagonist lacking comparable support.
Edwards, labeled by Covington as "a nobody," finds himself cast as the 'B-side' in this narrative, with Covington assuming the role of the 'A-side.' Such psychological warfare is par for the course in the lead-up to major fights, where mental games can sometimes be as pivotal as physical prowess.
As UFC 296 approaches, all eyes will be on how this drama unfolds, both inside the octagon and in the potential pageantry that may follow. Whether or not Trump will be granted the honor of presenting the belt is uncertain, but what remains clear is Covington's unyielding intent to reclaim the welterweight championship and solidify his place in UFC history.