Colby Covington Seeks Fight With Paddy Pimblett For UFC White House Event

Colby Covington, a former UFC welterweight title challenger, is eager to return to the octagon and has publicly called for a high-profile fight against Liverpool's Paddy Pimblett, ideally at the UFC's historic White House event on July 4, 2026, celebrating America's 250th anniversary. Covington has been in talks with UFC matchmaker Hunter Campbell for a possible comeback fight later in 2025 and sees the White House card, approved by the Trump administration and UFC President Dana White, as a career-defining opportunity that ties MMA with national politics. Despite Pimblett's ongoing rivalry with lightweight champion Ilia Topuria and his reluctance to move up a weight class, Covington insists Pimblett should fight at welterweight to avoid being a "weight bully," while also trash-talking him as a gimmick known mostly for his accent and hairstyle. The animosity between the two fighters dates back to backstage confrontations and public comments, with Pimblett openly expressing disdain for Covington's persona. Covington also hinted at a potential backup opponent in Gilbert Burns and emphasized his desire to face an international challenger to bolster his comeback. This buildup around the White House card highlights Covington's lobbying efforts and the event's significance in blending combat sports with political symbolism under President Donald Trump's administration.