Covington's Bold Request
In a move that has stirred up the mixed martial arts community, Colby Covington has expressed his desire for former President Donald Trump to be the one to place the welterweight title belt around his waist should he emerge victorious at UFC 296. Covington, known for his brash personality and outspoken support of Trump, is scheduled to face off against Leon Edwards in Las Vegas with high hopes of reclaiming the undisputed welterweight championship for the third time in his career.
While Dana White, the UFC President, is traditionally the figure who presents the championship belt to the winner, Covington has made a special request for Trump's involvement. The UFC, however, has yet to make any public statements regarding this unusual petition. This isn't the first time a celebrity has been involved in such proceedings; Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson has previously presented a title at a UFC event, setting a precedent for non-traditional figures taking part in the ceremonial aspects of the sport.
The Friendship Factor
Covington's connection to Trump goes beyond mere fandom or political alignment. The two share a strong personal friendship, with Trump having attended UFC 295 to support Covington at Madison Square Garden. Despite their close relationship, White has dismissed the notion of Trump walking Covington to the octagon, perhaps indicating that the organization prefers to keep the focus on the athletes and the competition itself.
Nonetheless, Covington remains undeterred and confident not only in his ability to defeat Edwards but also in the significance of having Trump present for his potential victory. His previous fight, a bout against Jorge Masvidal at UFC 272, adds to his professional MMA record of 17-3-0, signaling a seasoned fighter ready to take on the current champion.
Edwards: The Champion's Tale
On the other side of the octagon stands Leon Edwards, holding an impressive record of 21 wins, three losses, and one no-contest. Edwards secured the welterweight title at UFC 278 and successfully defended it at UFC 286. His journey to the top has been marked by a series of formidable performances, establishing him as a significant force within the welterweight division.
Covington's disdain for Edwards is palpable, referring to him as a "nobody" and framing the upcoming clash as a battle between the A-side, which he claims to represent, and the B-side, assigned to Edwards. The rhetoric leading up to the fight has been filled with the typical bravado expected from Covington, who seeks to undermine his opponent's status while elevating his own.
Quotable Covington
Amidst the verbal jousting and pre-fight hype, Covington has not shied away from expressing admiration for White, whom he dubbed "the greatest promoter in the history of any sport." However, his respect for White does not overshadow his wish for Trump's participation, as he stated, "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."
Covington's reverence for Trump extends into the realm of fight preparation, where he claims to have received valuable coaching advice from the former president. "I was at his house in Mar-a-Lago a couple of weeks ago, I call him regularly to ask him about a gameplan," Covington revealed, highlighting the depth of their interaction.
He further boasted about the prominence of his supporters compared to those of Edwards, saying, "I have the most important and famous person on planet earth coming to my fights to watch me front row. Who does Leon have?" Covington's confidence in his star power and the backing of high-profile individuals like Trump is a psychological tactic intended to intimidate his opponent and excite his fan base.
As UFC 296 approaches, the anticipation builds not only for the outcome of the fight but also for the potential spectacle surrounding the presentation of the championship belt. Whether Trump will be granted the honor of crowning the welterweight champion remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Covington's flair for the dramatic continues to add an intriguing layer to the world of mixed martial arts.