TLDR
- Colby Covington asked Donald Trump at Mar-a-Lago to speak with Dana White about fighting on the UFC White House event
- Covington calls the planned White House UFC event “the biggest event in the history of any sporting event”
- He last fought in December 2024, losing to Joaquin Buckley by TKO
- Covington wants to fight in January or February before the White House card
- Potential opponents he mentioned include Gilbert Burns, Stephen Thompson, and Nate Diaz
Colby Covington is using his connection with Donald Trump to try to secure a spot on the UFC’s planned White House fight card. The welterweight fighter spoke with the president at Mar-a-Lago and asked him to contact Dana White about getting on the event.
Covington has been a Trump supporter since 2015 when the businessman announced his presidential candidacy. He has visited the Oval Office and attended events at Trump’s Florida resort.
“I was talking to Trump the other day at Mar-a-Lago, so I said, hey, can you put in a word to Dana?” Covington told The Schmo. “Uncle Dana is going to be having an earful hopefully from Trump and hopefully they’ll let me on.”
The fighter wants to compete on what he describes as the biggest sporting event in history. He believes fighting at the White House would represent America on its largest stage.
Covington last competed in December 2024. He lost to Joaquin Buckley by TKO in that fight. The loss left him approaching a year away from competition.
The welterweight hopes to secure two fights in 2025. His plan includes a warm-up bout early in the year before the White House event.
Return Timeline
“I’d like to fight before then,” Covington said. “I’d like to get a fight in January or February.”
He wants UFC matchmakers to find an opponent that makes sense for the company. The early fight would prepare him for a potential White House card appearance.
Covington mentioned several possible opponents for his return. Gilbert Burns and Stephen Thompson both fit his criteria for the matchup.
He also brought up Nate Diaz as an option. However, Covington ruled out Nick Diaz and said he wants Nick to focus on his health.
Opponent Preferences
“I just want big fights and guys that are legends of the game,” Covington explained. The fighter is looking for established names in the welterweight division.
UFC officials and Hunter Campbell will make the final decision on his next fight. Covington is waiting to hear back about potential matchups.
The White House UFC event has not been officially announced by the promotion. No date or location details have been confirmed by Dana White or UFC leadership.
Covington believes Trump will advocate for his inclusion on the card. He thinks his relationship with the president gives him an advantage in securing the spot.
