“Trump wants him to win,” Colby Covington is expected to become champion in presence of former US President at UFC 296, believes Leon Edwards

Colby Covington and Leon Edwards go into action this weekend at T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas. They headline the year-end PPV card, UFC 296. The stakes were high with ‘Rocky’ putting his welterweight title on the line. Also, former US President Donald Trump would make his visit to the arena to support his favorite fighter ‘Chaos.’ Now, Edwards gave his opinion about Covington, Trump, and the UFC.

In his recent appearance on the MMA Hour show, Leon Edwards said that ‘Chaos’ had Dana White Privilege. Also, he thought that the UFC probably wanted Covington to win. Likewise, Donald Trump wanted him to win as well. So, ‘Rocky’ as usual embraced his underdog persona and was confident about getting the win. Here is what he said:

He got Dana White privilege, alright. And that's it, he hasn't earned it... I think (Donald) Trump wants him to win. I don’t know. None of it matters, right? My whole career’s been the underdog going against the favorite.

Leon Edwards (via X)

The UFC always had its eyes set on the business aspect of the fight game rather than the fight itself. As such, it wasn’t surprising that Colby Covington got the title shot when other more deserving contenders were on the line. However, Leon Edwards believed that he could upset the party at UFC 296.

Leon Edwards had been underestimated for most of his career and he had produced phenomenal underdog wins. One cannot forget his head-kick knockout of Kamaru Usman at UFC 278. As such he was determined to win his fight against Colby Covington. Also, ‘Chaos’ is coming off a 21-month hiatus and how he performs was to be seen.

Leon Edwards wants to retire Colby Covington in UFC 296

With verbal shots being fired, there’s no love lost between Colby Covington and Leon Edwards. As such, they were both confident in getting a win in UFC 296. However, the welterweight champion wanted something more. He wanted to send Colby Covington into retirement. Further, he predicted their matchup.

In his recent interview with the MMA Hour, Leon Edwards stated that he wasn’t interested in getting a decision win over Colby Covington. He wanted to finish him and send him into retirement. As such, he predicted a second or the third round finish.

Further, he mentioned that Covington had no future in the UFC and had to retire. He reasoned it by saying that ‘Chaos’ didn’t have what it took to be on par with the young fighters. Here is what ‘Rocky’ said:

I don't feel like a decision is enough. I feel like I wanna like retire him. After this, he will retire, He turned down everyone else. I can't see him fighting any younger guys... I can't see him fighting Shavkat, and fighting Ian and cause it's just not in him.

Leon Edwards (via X)

Leon Edwards won the welterweight title by beating Kamaru Usman in UFC 278. He had defended his title once in their rematch. Now, he faces Colby Covington for his second title defense. Covington is coming off a win over Jorge Masvidal. But, he last fought in March 2022. However, both the fighters were brimming in confidence and looked to get the win this weekend.

In case you missed it:

• Colby Covington and Donald Trump friendship: All you need to know about ‘MAGA’ UFC star and former President’s relation
• Paddy Pimblett cr*zy weight cuts: How much weight does Liverpool fighter lose before UFC fights?

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