The UFC’s White House event has sparked a rush among fighters eager to be part of the historic card.
On July 4, Donald Trump made headlines by announcing that Dana White would oversee a UFC event on the White House lawn, marking a unique chapter in both sports and politics.
The event is officially set for July 2026, aligning with America’s 250th birthday. With the date locked in, the promotion is now focused on sorting out the finer details to ensure everything runs smoothly.
Plenty of big names have already shown interest in being part of this unique event, including Jon Jones. But Dana White has said he does not trust ‘Bones’ to headline an event of this scale.
Now, Colby Covington – never one to shy away from controversy – has also thrown his name into the mix.
Colby Covington pushes for a spot on the UFC’s White House card
Back in 2018, Covington became the first UFC champion to receive an invite to the White House.
After beating Rafael dos Anjos at UFC 225 to claim the interim title, he was invited by President Trump. During his visit, the California native placed his belt on Trump’s desk and posed for a photo in the Oval Office.
Seven years later, Covington reveals he hopes to return there, this time for a UFC card.
“There’s nothing more that I want for my career than to fight at the White House. 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”, he told Helen Yee.
“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.
“I know Trump asked you, Dana, to let me on that White House card. Please, Dana. Please…” he concluded.
If given a spot, Covington says he would choose Paddy Pimblett as his ideal opponent, even though the Briton fights at lightweight, one division below welterweight.
Colby Covington looks beyond Paddy Pimblett for White House card
Pimblett seems an unlikely opponent for Covington at this stage.
Covington has dropped his last two fights to Leon Edwards and Joaquin Buckley, while Pimblett is unbeaten in the UFC and on the verge of a title shot against Ilia Topuria.
The California native’s last win came against Jorge Masvidal back in March 2022.
“Let’s get it going, Paddy,” he said, urging Pimblett to move up to welterweight.
If that fight does not materialise, Covington has mentioned Gilbert Burns as another option.
Burns has been calling out Covington for years without success.
He currently sits just below the American star in the welterweight rankings and is coming off four straight losses.
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