Colby Covington has revived talk of a transatlantic rivalry by calling on Paddy Pimblett to embrace what he believes would be a headline-making clash between America and Britain.
The outspoken former UFC title challenger has framed the idea as more than just a fight, presenting it as a symbolic spectacle that could capture global attention.
Covington’s proposal centres on timing, location, and rivalry, all wrapped into what he believes is a perfect storm for the promotion.
Colby Covington pitches Paddy Pimblett for UFC White House card fight
Speaking in comments reported by talkSPORT, Covington laid out his reasoning for why Pimblett should consider a move away from lightweight.
“One idea that could be presented is Paddy Pimblett. He’s a big guy, he cuts a lot of weight. He probably weighs more than me at walk-around weight anyway, and may not want to keep going at 155lbs.
“So what’s the sense in Paddy going back to lightweight? There are no big fights for him now that he lost to Gaethje,” Covington said.
He added: “I want to present that idea to the UFC, that, ‘Hey, me and Paddy, a British guy and a USA guy, on the White House lawn, would be amazing.”
Covington’s comments frame the matchup as both practical and promotional, suggesting Pimblett’s physical profile could make the jump compelling.
The setting itself is central to the pitch, with Covington portraying the fight as a one-off spectacle rather than a conventional bout.
Colby Covington highlights rivalry with Paddy Pimblett
Beyond weight classes and logistics, Covington believes the personal edge between the two fighters would elevate the contest.
“I don’t want to fight an American because it doesn’t make sense to fight an American in the American capital on the 250th birthday of America. Paddy Pimblett makes sense. He’s got a bowl cut. He’s got an accent. I think the fight would get the fans excited.
“And there’s definitely some turmoil between us. He doesn’t like me, I don’t like him — so let’s get locked in the cage and handle our differences,” Covington concluded.
The remarks underline Covington’s belief that personality and narrative matter as much as rankings.
For him, the idea represents a chance to turn an existing dislike into a defining moment on the sport’s biggest stage.
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