Colby
Covington believes the UFC has become lackadaisical after the
Paramount deal.
The UFC is set to host a one-of-a-kind event on President Donald
Trump’s birthday, June 14, at the White House lawn. The card,
billed as
Freedom 250, is a tribute to America’s 250th year of
independence. An avid supporter of Trump, Covington had been
rallying for a spot on the card ever since it was first mentioned
last year. However, when the card was announced last weekend,
Covington left out.
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Covington can’t comprehend why he isn’t a part of the White House
card. “Chaos” believes the
UFC has disappointed its hardcore fanbase with the White House
lineup. According to the former welterweight title challenger, the
UFC has become indifferent since landing the $7.7 billion deal with
Paramount. Covington even makes a lofty prediction that the RAF 7
wrestling event on March 28 will be bigger than the White House
card.
‘It’s Just Sad’
“It doesn’t make sense to me, it definitely doesn’t make sense to
the fans,” Covington told Submission Radio. “They’re upsetting their
hardcore fanbase, and it’s just sad. It’s like they’re checking
out. It’s like they made their money with Paramount, they’re like
whatever, ‚We’re just gonna throw s—t at the wall and we’re gonna
tell everybody it’s filet mignon.‘ At the end of the day, RAF 7 is
gonna be a bigger and more prominent event than the White House
event.”
Covington (17-5) scored his last UFC victory against Jorge
Masvidal in 2022. Currently on a two-fight slump, Covington
hasn’t fought since a stoppage loss against Joaquin
Buckley in December 2024. Covington recently defeated Luke
Rockhold in a grappling match at RAF 5 this past January. The
38-year-old is now set to wrestle Dillon
Danis at RAF 7 on March 28 in Tampa, Florida.
Ilia
Topuria will look to unify the lightweight title against
interim champion Justin
Gaethje in the main event at the White House. Meanwhile, the
card will be co-headlined by an interim heavyweight title fight
between Alex
Pereira and Ciryl
Gane.