Covington's Special Request for Trump to Present UFC Title
In an unconventional twist ahead of UFC 296, Colby Covington has expressed his desire for former President Donald Trump to present him with the welterweight championship belt should he emerge victorious. Known for breaking from tradition, Covington's request deviates from the norm, as UFC President Dana White is typically the figure awarding fighters with their title belts.
As Covington prepares for his upcoming bout against Leon Edwards in Las Vegas, his aim is clear: he wants to secure the undisputed welterweight champion title for the third time in his career. However, it's not just the potential victory that's stirring up conversation; it's the possibility of Trump, a friend and supporter of Covington, taking part in the ceremonial crowning of the champion.
UFC's History of Celebrity Appearances
The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) is no stranger to celebrity appearances. In the past, Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson has been involved in presenting a title, signaling that the organization isn't opposed to high-profile figures stepping into the spotlight during such pivotal moments. Despite this precedent, the UFC has yet to make any official comment regarding Covington's specific request.
Trump's presence at UFC events isn't unprecedented either; he was seen attending UFC 295 at Madison Square Garden. However, when it comes to the idea of Trump accompanying Covington to the octagon, White has dismissed the notion without further elaboration.
A Strong Bond Between Fighter and Former President
The relationship between Covington and Trump extends beyond mere acquaintance. Covington boasts about their close friendship, mentioning visits to Trump's Mar-a-Lago residence and regular phone calls discussing strategies and game plans. This bond adds a layer of personal significance to Covington's request, as he views Trump as not only a friend but also a mentor and "champion of the people."
Covington's confidence is palpable as he prepares to face Edwards. He has made bold claims about his opponent, referring to Edwards as the "B-side" and himself as the "A-side," suggesting a disparity in their stature within the sport. With a professional Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) record of 17-3-0, Covington is no stranger to the pressures of high-stakes competition. His last fight, a clash with Jorge Masvidal at UFC 272, set the stage for his current title pursuit.
Edwards' Track Record and Title Defense
On the other side of the octagon stands Leon Edwards, who holds a record of 21 wins, three losses, and one no-contest. Having won the welterweight title at UFC 278 and successfully defended it at UFC 286, Edwards is a formidable champion. His accomplishments in the octagon have earned him respect in the MMA community, despite Covington's dismissive remarks.
The upcoming fight marks Covington's third attempt to claim the undisputed welterweight championship, a testament to his resilience and determination within the sport. As the event approaches, the anticipation builds not only around the outcome of the fight but also around whether Covington's unique request will be granted.
Covington's Tribute to Trump
Covington's admiration for Trump is evident through his statements, where he lavishes praise on the former president. Describing Trump as the "most important and famous person on planet earth" and highlighting his attendance at fights, Covington underscores the value he places on their relationship. Furthermore, he articulates a reciprocal gesture of honor, intending to dedicate his win to Trump by symbolically placing the belt around Trump's waist as a nod to his support.
The fighter's loyalty to Trump is matched by his reverence for Dana White, whom he has called "the greatest promoter in the history of any sport." Covington's respectful plea for White to step aside in favor of Trump on this occasion demonstrates his earnestness in wanting to blend the worlds of sports and personal allegiance.
As the fight night draws near, all eyes will be on the octagon to see if Covington can achieve his goal of becoming the undisputed welterweight champion once more. Equally intriguing is the prospect of seeing whether his wish for Trump's involvement in the victory ceremony will come to fruition, adding another chapter to the storied history of the UFC.