Colby Covington joins Ronda Rousey in “hating” UFC White House fight card, says “they just don’t care anymore” after missing out on the event

Former interim welterweight champion Colby Covington expected to be part of the historic Ultimate Fighting Championship fight card planned at the White House. The outspoken fighter has long been one of the biggest supporters of U.S. President Donald Trump among UFC athletes. Because of that connection, many fans believed Covington would be one of the headline fighters at the special event. However, when the promotion officially revealed the lineup, his name was not included.

Instead of being placed on the White House card, Covington was offered a different fight later in the year. UFC officials reportedly proposed that he face the winner of the welterweight bout between Mike Malott and Gilbert Burns, which is scheduled to headline UFC Fight Night 273. Although he accepted the offer, Covington admitted that missing the historic event was disappointing, especially because he believed his public support for Trump and the United States made him a perfect fit for the occasion.

Colby Covington says he was ready to fight anyone for UFC White House event

Colby Covington explained that he had been pushing hard to compete on the special fight card. According to him, he repeatedly told UFC executives that he was willing to face any opponent they suggested. The American fighter said he even offered to compete outside his usual weight class if necessary. Normally a welterweight, Covington stated he was open to fighting at middleweight if the bout had to be arranged on short notice.

Speaking to MMAJunkie, he shared that he kept contacting UFC officials, including executive Hunter Campbell, to make himself available. Covington said he believed the promotion might be holding him back for the White House event, which made the final decision even more surprising.

In the end, the only matchup offered to him was against the winner of Malott versus Burns. Covington said he agreed to that proposal and is now willing to wait until later in the year for the fight.

Covington also made it clear that he did not want to ask Trump directly for help in getting the fight. He said the president has far more important responsibilities and that it would not be appropriate to request personal favors related to sports.

The welterweight contender also criticized the lineup announced for the event. In his view, the card does not feature enough top American fighters and fails to match the expectations that were originally promised to fans.