According to MMA Fighting, Colby Covington had an ambitious walkout plan for UFC 296, envisioning a once-in-a-lifetime entrance with former President Donald Trump accompanying him to the octagon. Covington, set to face Leon Edwards for the welterweight championship, had hoped to have Trump walk him out for the high-profile event at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
However, during UFC 296 media day, Covington revealed that logistical challenges prevented this grand entrance from materializing. Despite Trump expressing his willingness to walk Covington out, the UFC and Dana White deemed it too complicated due to the extensive security detail accompanying the former president.
In Covington’s words, “He [Trump] called me about that. I asked Donald Trump if he could walk me out… Unfortunately, Donald Trump won’t be able to walk out with me, but he’ll be cageside, and I’ll give him a hug before I enter that octagon, and I’ll see him cageside, and he’ll be putting that belt around my waist Saturday night.”
Covington, who has previously challenged Kamaru Usman for the welterweight title, sees the presence of Trump as a guarantee of victory. Despite two close losses to Usman in their previous encounters, Covington is confident that with Trump watching, he will emerge victorious against Edwards.
Acknowledging Trump’s iconic status, Covington expressed, “There is truth to that. Donald Trump will be in attendance Saturday night, and he’s going to wrap that belt around me. I love Dana White, but I just asked Dana if he could let Donald put it around me, so it’s going to be a spectacle.”
To commemorate the occasion, Covington arrived at media day wearing a custom jacket featuring the American flag and a stylized image of Trump’s recent mugshot on the back. According to Covington, Trump appreciated the creative homage and offered some fight advice. Covington plans to enjoy the event with Trump at Mar-a-Lago afterward, emphasizing his commitment to “make America great again” and revive the UFC welterweight division’s reputation.
