Colby Covington's Special Request for UFC 296
In an intriguing twist to the upcoming welterweight title fight at UFC 296, Colby Covington has expressed his desire for former President Donald Trump to present him with the championship belt should he emerge victorious. Covington, who is on the cusp of potentially securing the undisputed welterweight champion title for the third time, has made a public appeal that deviates from the norm; typically, UFC President Dana White is the one to wrap the belt around the winner's waist.
Covington's Connection with Trump
The bond between Covington and Trump is no secret in the mixed martial arts community. Covington has been vocal about their friendship, which extends beyond the occasional photo opportunity. "He is my good friend; it's not like I was just meeting up with him every couple of months," Covington has stated, revealing the depth of their relationship. "I was at his house in Mar-a-Lago a couple of weeks ago, I call him regularly to ask him about a game plan. He's given me great coaching advice for this fight." This close rapport is what fuels Covington's request, which, if granted, would be a significant departure from tradition.
While celebrity appearances are not unheard of in the UFC—Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson famously presented a title at a past event—the idea of a former president participating in such a capacity is unprecedented. Trump's attendance at UFC 295 at Madison Square Garden underscores the mutual support between the two figures. Despite this, White has dismissed the notion of Trump accompanying Covington to the octagon, leaving the possibility of his involvement in the belt presentation uncertain.
The Matchup: Covington vs. Edwards
As the fight night in Las Vegas approaches, Covington's confidence remains high. He is set to face Leon Edwards, the current welterweight champion, who has successfully defended his title since claiming it at UFC 278. Edwards, boasting a record of 21 wins, three losses, and one no-contest, is no easy opponent. However, Covington, with a professional MMA record of 17-3-0, is undeterred, asserting his dominance by referring to Edwards as "a nobody" and himself as "the A-side."
This bout marks Covington's third shot at becoming the undisputed champion—a testament to his perseverance and skill within the octagon. His last fight against Jorge Masvidal at UFC 272 showcased his tenacity and ability to remain at the top of the competitive welterweight division.
UFC's Response to Covington's Request
The UFC has yet to officially comment on Covington's unique request to have Trump involved in the potential victory ceremony. The organization typically adheres to its established protocols, with Dana White playing a central role in presenting the championship belt. White's acknowledgment of Covington's preference, however, may indicate that discussions could be taking place behind the scenes.
Covington has not been shy about leveraging his relationship with Trump to build hype around the fight. "I have the most important and famous person on planet earth coming to my fights to watch me front row," he claimed. Whether or not Trump will be able to fulfill Covington's wish remains to be seen, but the very proposition adds another layer of spectacle to the highly anticipated matchup.
Final Thoughts
As UFC 296 draws near, all eyes are not only on the fighters but also on the potential political figure who might step into the limelight. Covington's request, whether honored or not, has certainly added an extra element of intrigue to an already captivating fight card. With his sights firmly set on reclaiming the title, Covington's focus is undoubtedly on defeating Edwards, but the question of who will present the belt should he win adds an additional narrative thread to this compelling sports event.
Regardless of the outcome, UFC 296 promises to deliver excitement both inside the octagon and out. As the combatants prepare for battle, fans and pundits alike will be watching closely to see if Covington can turn his bold vision into reality, not just by winning the fight but also by sharing his moment of glory with a figure as polarizing and prominent as Donald Trump.