Former President Donald Trump stole the spotlight at UFC 296 in Las Vegas, making a grand entrance at the T-Mobile Arena alongside his friends Kid Rock and Dana White. The crowd erupted in cheers as the 77-year-old Trump entered the arena, engaging with fans and exchanging greetings with UFC commentator Joe Rogan. The highlight of the night was the welterweight championship bout between Leon Edwards and Colby Covington.
Covington, a vocal supporter of Trump, had boldly predicted that the former president would put the championship belt on him if he emerged victorious against Edwards. As Covington made his way to the octagon, he stopped by Trump’s ringside seats, and the two had a brief exchange. Trump, demonstrating encouragement, patted Covington’s knee before the fighter entered the ring.
Despite the anticipation, Covington did not get the chance for Trump to crown him the new world champion. Edwards, the defending champion, convincingly defeated Covington in a five-round bout, securing a unanimous decision from the judges (49-46, 49-46, 49-46). This marked Covington’s first fight since March 2022.
Following the loss, Covington, draped in an American flag, gave a shout-out to Trump, expressing his belief that Trump would “make America great again.” He addressed issues such as border security, inflation, and America-first policies, echoing Trump’s slogans. Covington disagreed with the judge’s ruling on the fight, drawing a parallel between his defeat and what he termed Trump’s loss in the “rigged election” of 2020.
Colby Covington stated that Donald Trump told him to put the pressure on Leon Edwards early with takedowns, and that Colby admitted he failed to do that early on, letting down the former President.
The event wasn’t without its share of drama outside the octagon. Fighters Sean Strickland and Dricus Du Plessis, not even part of UFC 296’s card, engaged in a verbal altercation in the crowd. Strickland leaped over seats, delivering blows to Du Plessis’ head before being separated, with UFC CEO White assisting in the intervention.
Trump, known for his interest in boxing and mixed martial arts, had previously attended UFC 295 at Madison Square Garden alongside Kid Rock, Dana White, Tucker Carlson, and his son Don Jr.
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