Colby Covington had just beaten his fiercest rival Tyron Woodley. In the interview after the victory, the American received a mildly special phone call live.
Covington has shown his support for US President Donald Trump for several years.
After the TKO victory over Tyron Woodley, the phone suddenly rang to the victor. On the other side of the tube, it was a clearly proud Trump who congratulated the winner.
– You are a fantastic athlete, and made it look so easy, the president says on the phone during Covington’s interview with ESPN.
– Proud of you
The 32-year-old from California has been controversial throughout his career, and has been nicknamed “Chaos” by fans.
– Congratulations on the victory. I’m proud of you, because you won against a good opponent, Trump continues.
This is not the first time the two have talked together after a match. When Covington became UFC Champion in 2018, he became the first champion to receive an invitation and visit the White House.
– We are supporters of each other, and you are something special. Win back the belt, and see you again, Trump concludes with a clearly proud Covington, who did the interview in a “Keep America Great” cap.
– I got “dragon energy” from the handshake you gave me last week. King Kong could have been in front of me today, but I had taken him after I greeted you, Covington tells the president.
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Rib fractures decided the match
The match itself was decided in the last round of five, against Covington’s former teammate and training partner, Tyron Woodley.
The two have subsequently developed a rival relationship, and both have had the UFC belt in the welterweight class.
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Covington controlled large parts of the match, and one minute and 29 seconds into the final round it was all over. Woodley was in pain and could not continue the fight, which later turned out to be a rib fracture.
Now there is talk of a possible match for Covington against superstar Jorge Masvidal, who lost the title match against Kamaru Usman earlier this year.
Usman will, after all the sun marks, defend the belt against Brazilian Gilbert Burns. Should Covington win their next match, a title match could be in order.
– If I can not get a title fight now, then I take a “best friends became enemies” fight with Jorge Masvindal, Covington says to ESPN after the victory.
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