Colby Covington, a former UFC interim welterweight champion, is pushing for a spot on the UFC’s historic White House event planned for July 4, 2026, to mark America’s 250th anniversary. In an August 31, 2025, interview with Helen Yee Sports, he begged UFC CEO Dana White to include him, citing his support for President Donald Trump, who approved the event. Covington also called out lightweight contender Paddy Pimblett, labeling him a “gimmick” and proposing a welterweight fight. He named Gilbert Burns as a backup opponent if Pimblett declines.
Covington’s White House Goal
Covington sees the White House fight as a career-defining moment.
“There’s nothing more that I want for my career and and everything I’ve worked for than to fight at the White House,” he told Helen Yee. “You know, 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. But obviously, ultimately, it’s up to the UFC, whatever they decide. But I’m calling my shot now. Please, please, Dana, let me fight on the White House card.” He added, “I know Trump asked you, Dana, to let me on that White House card. Please, Dana. Please.”
The event, set for the south lawn, was approved by President Trump, the 47th and current president, who began his second term on January 20, 2025. Logistical challenges, like the octagon’s 25,000-pound weight, remain a concern. White has not confirmed the fight card, and Jon Jones has also expressed interest.
Calling Out Paddy Pimblett
Covington targeted Pimblett after a heated backstage clash at UFC 314 in April 2025, where Pimblett defeated Michael Chandler via TKO.
“A Paddy Pimblett fight super interests me because in Miami he was talking s–t, running his mouth backstage,” Covington said. “I wasn’t even looking at him or talking to him. He wants to start some s–t. He’s been saying some s–t. He was saying in an interview the other day, his doctor said he had liver failure from cutting to 155. Dude, come up a weight class. Come to 170. Why are you being a weight bully, Paddy?” He added, “You know you’re a bum. You’re a gimmick. You’re a f–king little English accent and you’re a little bowl cut. That’s the only reason people know you. So let’s get it going, Paddy.”
Pimblett, 7-0 in the UFC, responded at UFC 314, calling Covington “Mr. Irrelevant” and accusing him of chasing clout. Pimblett has shown interest in a welterweight fight, telling OLGB in October 2024, “I don’t like that lad. He’s so fake,” but prefers lightweight contenders like Charles Oliveira.
Covington named Burns as an alternative. “If I can’t get Paddy, then maybe Gilbert Burns,” he said.
Discussing his return, Covington revealed talks with UFC matchmaker Hunter Campbell.
“Yeah, I’ve been talking to Hunter Campbell and we’re looking for October and November, maybe November in [Madison Square] Garden,” he said. “But wherever Hunter decides, I’ll be ready. If they need to push me to December at the T-Mobile event, then December in Vegas sounds good.”
He stressed the need for preparation, saying:
“I wanna get in there as soon as possible and on a full training camp. You know, I didn’t get a a training camp last fight. So full training camp, bring anybody in the world. I’m ready to go. Let’s go, Hunter and UFC!” Via
Covington last fought in December 2024, losing a decision to Joaquin Buckley at UFC Tampa, and is ranked No. 6 in the welterweight division,
Covington’s outspoken persona has sparked controversies. In 2020, after beating Tyron Woodley, he received a call from Trump, dedicating the win to first responders while criticizing LeBron James. His 2018 White House visit with the interim belt solidified his Trump ties. In 2023, he blamed his UFC 296 loss on judges’ bias against his politics, a claim dismissed by peers like Masvidal.
