A Special Request from Covington for UFC 296
As the anticipation builds for the upcoming welterweight title fight at UFC 296, Colby Covington has made a unique request that deviates from tradition. Covington, known for his brash confidence and strong political connections, has expressed his desire for former President Donald Trump to present the championship belt if he emerges victorious in Las Vegas.
Trump to Replace Dana White?
The honor of wrapping the belt around the winner's waist typically falls to UFC President Dana White. However, Covington has publicly requested that his "favorite person and human alive," referring to the 45th president of the United States, take on this role instead. While the UFC has yet to respond to Covington's proposal, it's not entirely without precedent; Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson has previously presented a title at a UFC event, suggesting there might be room for special circumstances.
Despite their friendship and Trump's appearance at UFC 295, White has dismissed the idea of Trump accompanying Covington to the octagon. Nevertheless, the fighter's relationship with Trump appears to go beyond mere acquaintance. Covington claims to have visited Trump at Mar-a-Lago and regularly seeks advice from him, even discussing strategies for his upcoming bout.
Covington's Pursuit of the Title
Covington's ambition is clear: he aims to secure the undisputed welterweight champion title for an impressive third time. His professional MMA record stands at 17 wins, 3 losses, and no draws, with his last fight taking place against Jorge Masvidal at UFC 272. As he prepares to face Leon Edwards, Covington is confident in his ability to reclaim the title.
Edwards, the current titleholder, boasts a formidable record of 21 wins, three losses, and one no-contest. He won the welterweight title at UFC 278 and successfully defended it at UFC 286, making him a significant obstacle in Covington's path to becoming a three-time champion.
The Rivalry Intensifies
The verbal jabs have already begun, with Covington dismissing Edwards as a "nobody" and labeling himself the "A-side" of the fight. This psychological warfare is nothing new in the world of mixed martial arts, where fighters often seek to gain a mental edge over their opponents before stepping into the octagon.
Covington's remarks about having the "most important and famous person on planet earth" in his corner are clearly intended to unsettle Edwards. Yet, whether or not this will have any impact on the outcome of the fight remains to be seen.
Conclusion
With UFC 296 approaching, all eyes will be on Covington and Edwards as they vie for welterweight supremacy. Covington's request for Trump to be involved in the potential victory ceremony adds an additional layer of intrigue to an already highly anticipated event. Whether or not the UFC will acquiesce to Covington's wishes is uncertain, but it certainly adds another storyline to follow as fight night draws near.