Colby Covington broke his silence and addressed his absence from the UFC’s upcoming White House card. The former interim welterweight champion made it clear he tried to secure a spot, but the UFC had other plans.
The UFC announced the full fight card for UFC Freedom 250 at the White House, which is scheduled for Jun. 14. Covington, who for years has been aligned himself with the administration, was notably absent. It was surprising, considering he built a reputation and public persona through his support of MAGA, drawing comparisons to WWE heels.
After the UFC revealed plans for an event at the White House, Covington joined many fighters who expressed interest in competing. However, the promotion chose a different direction and left ‘Chaos’ off the card.
During an interview with MMA Junkie, Covington admitted he believed he would be featured at UFC Freedom 250. He said he felt disappointed when he learned that he would not appear and argued that he should have been a lock.
“[I was] just a little bummed, I thought I was a shoo-in for that spot. I’m the one that brought [President] Trump into the UFC back in 2018 when no one was supporting him,” Covington said. “There wasn’t an athlete alive that was walking around Times Square supporting him like I was, wearing the MAGA hat in Times Square with my belt and going to media tours.”
He added:
“Unfortunately it wasn’t in their cards. Hunter [Campbell] didn’t give me the opportunity, the UFC didn’t give me the opportunity.”
Colby Covington Explains Why He Didn’t Make a Request to President Donald Trump
Colby Covington also explained why he did not directly ask President Donald Trump for help getting on the card. His well-documented relationship with the administration led many to question why he did not make a request.
Covington said that he could have called President Trump but chose not to bother him over something minor. He noted that Trump is focused on far more urgent matters than UFC matchmaking.
“Everyone was like, ‘You should’ve gone to Trump and should’ve asked him for a favor.’ Man, he’s got way more important things to worry about. We’ve got to keep world peace right now. We don’t want to see a World War,” Covington told MMA Junkie. “I’m not going to bother him with, ‘Mr. President, can you make sure that I get on the White House [card]? Can you call Hunter and Ari Emanuel and make sure?’ No, I’m not a selfish, greedy person.”
He added: “I’m bummed, but just like anything in life, it goes on, and you keep moving and working hard, and stay focused.”
Covington Criticized UFC White House Card
Covington then criticized the UFC Freedom 250 card, arguing that it lacks a strong American presence.
‘Chaos’ said the UFC matchmakers appear less invested in the product after the promotion signed a lucrative broadcast rights deal.
“It just seems like [the UFC] don’t care anymore,” Covington told MMA Junkie. “They made all that money with Paramount, and they’re just happy. It is what it is. The fans have spoken. It’s unfortunate.”
Colby Covington Breaks Silence on UFC White House Card Omission