Covington Eyes Title and Presidential Belt Presentation
Controversial UFC welterweight contender Colby Covington has made a unique request ahead of his upcoming title fight: he wants former President Donald Trump to present the championship belt if he emerges victorious. Covington, known for his outspoken support of Trump, is slated to face current champion Leon Edwards at UFC 296 in Las Vegas with hopes of reclaiming the welterweight crown for what would be an unprecedented third time.
The tradition within the UFC has been for its president, Dana White, to wrap the belt around the waist of the victor. However, Covington has publicly requested that Trump take on this role for his fight. While there has been no official response from the UFC regarding this proposal, it's not entirely without precedent; Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson has previously presented a title at a UFC event, suggesting that there might be room for special circumstances.
Covington's relationship with the former president is well-documented, extending beyond mere political endorsement. The fighter boasts of a strong personal friendship with Trump, who has been seen attending UFC events, such as UFC 295 at Madison Square Garden. Despite this, White has dismissed the notion of Trump accompanying Covington to the octagon, possibly indicating the organization's desire to maintain a certain protocol during events.
Confidence doesn't seem to be lacking for Covington, who has expressed his certainty in defeating Edwards. This bout marks his third shot at becoming the undisputed champion, a testament to his tenacity in the sport. With a professional Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) record of 17 wins and 3 losses, Covington's last appearance in the octagon was against Jorge Masvidal at UFC 272—a fight that added another win to his impressive career tally.
On the other side of the octagon, Edwards brings a formidable record of 21 victories, three defeats, and one no-contest. He seized the welterweight title at UFC 278 and successfully defended it at UFC 286, establishing himself as a dominant force within the division.
Covington's Bold Statements
Despite acknowledging White's unparalleled success as a promoter, Covington has not shied away from requesting his favorite "person and human alive," referring to Trump as "45," to have the honor of crowning him champion. His admiration for Trump extends into the realm of sports, where he has even sought advice from the former president. "I was at his house in Mar-a-Lago a couple of weeks ago," Covington revealed, adding that he regularly calls Trump for coaching advice and considers him a "great coach" for his upcoming fight.
The fighter's bravado shines through when discussing his opponent, Edwards. Covington dismisses the reigning champion as a "nobody," positioning himself as the main attraction of the fight. "Leon is the B-side and I'm the A-side," he stated, emphasizing the disparity in their public profiles and asserting his own superiority in the lead-up to their clash.
Covington also highlighted the star power he brings to the event, mentioning the high-profile figures who attend his fights. "I have the most important and famous person on planet earth coming to my fights to watch me front row," he boasted, challenging Edwards to match the level of celebrity support he claims to command.
As the fight approaches, the MMA community eagerly anticipates not only the outcome of what promises to be an explosive battle for the welterweight title but also whether Covington's request for Trump's involvement will come to fruition. Regardless of the decision by the UFC, Covington's flair for blending politics with pugilism continues to make headlines and stir up interest among fans and critics alike.
With both fighters in peak condition and stakes at an all-time high, UFC 296 is set to be a pivotal moment in the careers of both Covington and Edwards. As the world watches, the question remains: will it be Covington who has his hand raised, and if so, who will wrap the belt around his waist?