At the upcoming UFC 296 event, Colby Covington won’t be making his entrance with former U.S. President Donald Trump. Covington had initially planned to walk out with the former president for his upcoming bout. However, it appears that Dana White and the UFC have denied the request from their fellow American to make this happen.
A former interim champion, Covington is set to face champion Leon Edwards for the undisputed gold. This marks the third time in his career that the fighter is vying for the UFC’s welterweight title. As a dedicated Trump supporter, ‘Chaos’ had wanted his favorite POTUS candidate to join him. However, now that his initial plan is in shambles, the fighter has recently revealed a Plan B.
Colby Covington Unfolds His New Plan
According to the latest news, Donald Trump won’t be joining Colby Covington for his walkout at UFC 296. If the speculations are true, the UFC has denied Covington’s proposal, even though the GOP member will be present among the crowd. This is surprising given the former U.S. president’s good terms with the UFC and UFC President Dana White.
However, this setback won’t stop Covington from including his ‘favorite person alive’ on the biggest nights of his combat sports career. During an interview with Chisanga Malata, the fighter revealed his new plan to ‘honor’ the former president. If Covington’s plan comes to fruition, he intends to have Trump wrap the championship belt around his waist in case he wins the title, instead of Dana White.
In his own words: “I love Dana, and he’s the greatest promoter in the history of any sport. I mean, he’s the greatest commissioner; the guy is just a mastermind at what he’s been able to do in this sport. But I’m gonna politely and respectfully ask Dana to step aside and let my favorite person and human alive right now, 45 Mr. Donald Trump, put that belt around my waist.”
Rump’s History With UFC Goes Back Decades
During the early days, when the UFC wasn’t the financial powerhouse it is today, Donald Trump played a supportive role to Dana White and company. At a time when MMA in America and the UFC were still in their infancy and most venues were reluctant to host their events, Trump opened the doors of his famous Trump Taj Mahal for Dana White and the company. Serving as the venue for some of the biggest boxing matchups, it was a significant move for a new promotion, like the UFC.
Fast forward to 2016, when Trump announced his run for the presidency, White reciprocated the support and became a vocal supporter. Later, when the Republican won, the UFC president visited the White House with a UFC belt. On numerous occasions, White has stood firmly with his old friend. Not only him, but many other UFC fighters have come out in support of the billionaire-turned-politician, with Colby ‘Chaos’ Covington being the most famous and vocal among them.
Featured image credits to Embed from Getty Images
