Former interim welterweight champion Colby Covington has long supported President Donald Trump. When he won the interim title in 2018, he traveled to the Oval Office with belt in tow.
When “Chaos” heard the administration was working with the UFC to host an event on the White House grounds on Independence Day 2026, he wanted in on the historic event.
“There’s nothing more I want for my career and everything I’ve worked for than to fight at the White House,” Covington told Helen Yee Sports. “I’m the one that started getting MMA into politics and Donald Trump, supporting the Republican movement, so I feel like I deserve to fight there.”
Covington begged for UFC CEO Dana White to place him on the fight card. He wasn’t too proud to do a little groveling if it helps get what he wants.
“Ultimately, it’s up to the UFC. Whatever they decide, but I’m calling my shot now,” Covington said. “Please. Please, Dana. Let me fight on the White House card. I know Trump asked you, Dana, to let me on White House card. Please Dana. Please.”
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When asked who he’d like to face at the White House event, Covington wasted no time responding. “Probably Paddy Pimiblett,” he said after trashing “The Baddy” earlier in the interview.
“You’ve got to go with someone that’s not in the U.S. I don’t want to fight a USA fighter. I want to fight an international fighter, so I think Paddy Pimblett makes the most sense,” continued Covington.
Covington would like to return to the octagon in October or November. When he makes the walk to the cage for his next fight, it will be the first time in his 13-year mixed martial arts career that he’s coming off back-to-back losses. A third consecutive loss would make a White House fight card appearance a tough sell.
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