Following his recent loss to Leon Edwards at UFC 296, former interim welterweight champion Colby Covington is considering a transition to politics. Covington, who has expressed admiration for former President Donald Trump, revealed his post-fighting aspirations in an interview on the PBD Podcast. Drawing parallels with Trump, he sees himself as the “Donald Trump of the UFC” and intends to follow a similar political path.
Expressing his desire to run for Congress in a few years, Covington emphasized his self-made journey from a blue-collar family to a multi-million dollar athlete. He believes he can contribute to the Republican and Conservative movement, citing his independence from the establishment. While facing criticism for his pre-fight comments about Edwards’ deceased father, Covington remains unapologetic and sees himself as a unique and entertaining personality in MMA.
Despite the recent loss, Covington dismisses retirement talks and remains fully committed to his UFC career. Looking ahead, he envisions a future beyond fighting, aspiring to enter politics. While he hasn’t settled on specific roles, he expressed interest in Congress, the Senate, and ultimately, becoming the Governor of Florida, where he currently resides.
Fans have had mixed reactions to Covington’s political aspirations, with some finding it amusing and others questioning his motives. Covington believes that, regardless of his future endeavors, a segment of the fan base will follow him, appreciating the entertainment aspect he brings to the sport. The outspoken fighter sees his recent loss as an opportunity to gain more fans and showcase the truth of his fighter-marketer persona.