Colby Covington is making his case for one of the most patriotic fights in UFC history, actively lobbying for a matchup against Paddy Pimblett at the promotion's unprecedented White House event scheduled for June 14, 2026.

The former interim welterweight champion, a vocal supporter of President Donald Trump, sees the historic card as the perfect stage for an America versus Britain rivalry that would capture the essence of the event's patriotic theme. The UFC White House card will take place on the South Lawn, coinciding with both the United States' 250th anniversary celebration and Trump's 80th birthday.

Covington's White House Ambitions

For Covington, securing a spot on this historic card represents more than just another fight – it's the culmination of his persona as the ultimate American fighter. Speaking on Hot Cakes & Hot Takes, he revealed his active negotiations with the UFC for the event.

"I've been negotiating with the UFC for the White House card. You know, that's the one that I want," Covington said. "This would be the biggest fight I've ever had. To fight on the south lawn in front of the President would be the greatest honor of my career."

The timing couldn't be more significant for Covington, who has built his career around his unwavering support for Trump and his "Make America Great Again" persona. Fighting at the White House during such a momentous occasion would validate everything he's represented throughout his controversial but successful UFC tenure.

The Pimblett Proposition

Covington has identified Liverpool's Paddy Pimblett as his ideal opponent for the White House spectacle, envisioning a clash that embodies the historical rivalry between America and Britain. The matchup would require Pimblett to move up from lightweight (155 pounds) to welterweight (170 pounds), but Covington believes this makes perfect sense given the Englishman's significant weight cuts.

"I'd really like to fight with Paddy Pimblett. He had shown interest that he might want to come up a weight class to welterweight," Covington explained. He noted that Pimblett "weighs 200 [pounds]" between fights, suggesting the move to welterweight would actually be beneficial for the British fighter.

The animosity between the two fighters extends beyond mere promotional tactics. Covington revealed there was a backstage altercation between them at UFC 314, adding genuine heat to their potential matchup. This personal tension, combined with the national rivalry angle, could create compelling storylines for the historic event.

Criticism of Pimblett's Recent Performance

Covington didn't hold back in his assessment of Pimblett's recent title loss to Justin Gaethje at UFC 324, using the performance as ammunition for why their fight would be compelling. Speaking to talkSPORT, he delivered a scathing critique of both fighters from that bout.

"I thought that Justin Gaethje looked really bad, but Paddy looked even worse," Covington said. "Justin looked like a really old, slow, punch-drunk dude. I call him the 'King of CTE' because he's been hit in the head a lot, so he's got that CTE, and he just looked bad. But Paddy looked worse."

Covington specifically targeted Pimblett's performance under the bright lights of a main event, suggesting the Liverpool native wasn't ready for the pressure that comes with championship-level fights.

"He didn't look very good. He looked sluggish, he didn't look very fast, hands down a lot. Just very amateur, rookie mistakes that he made, but he's never been in a main event spotlight," Covington continued. "So, this is his first time getting the main event spotlight and all that it requires. It's a lot – the media week, the weight cutting, the media work you have to do leading up to the fight."

Strategic Matchmaking Logic

Beyond the personal animosity, Covington presents a compelling case for why the matchup makes strategic sense for both the UFC and the White House event's patriotic theme. He emphasized that fighting another American wouldn't capture the spirit of the occasion.

"I don't want to fight an American because it doesn't make sense to fight an American in the American capital on the 250th birthday of America," Covington explained. "Paddy Pimblett makes sense. He's got a bowl cut, he's got an accent. I think the fight would get the fans excited, and there's definitely some turmoil between us."

This reasoning demonstrates Covington's understanding of fight promotion and his ability to create narratives that resonate with audiences. The visual of an American patriot facing off against a distinctly British opponent on the White House lawn would certainly capture the imagination of fight fans and casual viewers alike.

Covington's Recent Setbacks

Covington enters these negotiations coming off a challenging period in his career. His most recent UFC appearance ended in disappointment at UFC Tampa in December 2024, where he suffered a third-round TKO loss to Joaquin Buckley due to doctor's stoppage. The defeat marked another setback for the former interim champion, who holds a 17-5 overall MMA record.

However, Covington hasn't remained idle during his UFC hiatus. He competed in a Real American Freestyle (RAF) wrestling match against former UFC middleweight champion Luke Rockhold at RAF 5 in January 2026. This crossover wrestling event allowed him to showcase his NCAA Division I All-American wrestling credentials and maintain his competitive edge while negotiations for his UFC return continued.

UFC's Historic White House Plans

The UFC White House card represents unprecedented territory for mixed martial arts. The event will feature six to seven fights with a capacity of 3,000-4,000 attendees on the South Lawn. The promotion has secured a simulcast deal with CBS and Paramount+, ensuring maximum exposure for this historic occasion. Weigh-ins are expected to take place at the Lincoln Memorial, adding another layer of American symbolism to the proceedings.

While speculation has swirled about various high-profile matchups for the event, UFC President Dana White has been selective about confirming details. He definitively shut down rumors of Covington facing Conor McGregor, calling such speculation "total BS" and indicating that official matchmaking meetings were underway.

Looking Forward

For Covington, the White House card represents more than just a return to the octagon – it's an opportunity to cement his legacy as the ultimate American fighter. His negotiations with the UFC appear to be progressing, though no official announcement has been made regarding his inclusion on the card.

The Pimblett matchup, while requiring the Englishman to move up in weight, presents intriguing possibilities for both fighters. For Pimblett, it could offer a fresh start after his disappointing title loss, while for Covington, it provides the perfect opponent to showcase his patriotic persona on the biggest stage possible.

As the UFC continues its planning for this historic event, Covington's push for the Pimblett fight demonstrates his understanding of both the promotional and competitive aspects of mixed martial arts. Whether the UFC will grant his wish remains to be seen, but his case for why this particular matchup belongs on the White House lawn is certainly compelling.

The combination of personal animosity, national rivalry, and the historic significance of the venue could create one of the most memorable fights in UFC history – exactly the kind of spectacle worthy of such an unprecedented setting.