Ahead of UFC Newark, Colby Covington draws support from Trump family amid latest mass shooting
Colby Covington is very open about his support for President Donald Trump, and has been for some time.
On Saturday, the Trump family again made it clear that support goes both ways.
Donald Trump dug up a year-old tweet from Covington — which showed him with the president in the Oval Office wearing a MAGA hat — on Saturday afternoon and quote-tweeted it, wishing Covington luck in his bout with Robbie Lawler at UFC Newark.
Fight hard tonight Colby. You are a real Champ! #MAGA https://t.co/dj3JlWQu7i
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 3, 2019
Trump’s tweet wishing Covington luck came amid yet another mass shooting in the United States. At least 20 people were shot and killed while dozens more were injured at an El Paso, Texas, shopping mall on Saturday. Trump tweeted twice about the mass shooting, one of which came just minutes before wishing Covington good luck.
Trump’s sons, Donald Jr. and Eric, were in attendance at the fight, too, sitting cageside at the Prudential Center.
Getting ready for the main event with my man @ColbyCovMMA. Get it done buddy @ufc. 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸 #ufc #mma #maga @kimguilfoyle pic.twitter.com/a6DA0Kdffc
— Donald Trump Jr. (@DonaldJTrumpJr) August 3, 2019
Donald Jr. and Eric Trump have arrived, stood and cheered for a submission win in the #UFCNewark prelims. Here are some blurry photos of that happening pic.twitter.com/CeXNNBaGxs
— Ryan Gerbosi (@RyanGerbosi) August 3, 2019
Covington said he knew the brothers were coming to his fight ahead of time, too, something he was thrilled about.
“Donald Trump Jr. and Eric Trump have already given me their word that they’re going to be at my fight,” Covington said, via MMA Fighting. “To see them front row just gives me goosebumps just thinking about it. It gives me a jolt of energy in my body. They’ve got that dragon energy. They’re winners ... They are doing a great job for America and that’s what I’m planning on doing.”
The Trumps help Covington celebrate his win
Covington beat Lawler by unanimous decision, and almost immediately thanked Donald Jr. and Eric in his post-fight interview.
“I was truly inspired when the First Family came in the building, when they came to see me back stage,” Covington said with an American flag draped over his shoulder amid a mixed reaction from the audience. “Let’s give it up for the Trumps. They’re in the building tonight. They’re keeping America great.
He also took an unnecessary shot at UFC legend Matt Hughes, who had to be airlifted to the hospital after his truck was hit by a train in Illinois in 2017.
“Let’s talk about the lesson we learned tonight,” he added. “It’s a strong lesson that Robbie should’ve learned from his good buddy Matt Hughes. You stay off the tracks when the train is coming through, junior. Doesn’t matter if it’s the Trump train or the Colby train, get out of the way!”
While he wasn’t thrilled about the comments, Hughes still gave Covington credit for his win on Instagram.
Despite the fallout from the mass shooting in Texas, Trump then took time to call Covington after his win, too. The 31-year-old could be seen talking to Trump on the phone in the hallways of the Prudential Center with his MAGA hat while Donald Jr. and Eric stood next to him.
Just finished my interview with Colby Covington who was then whisked away to speak on the phone with President Trump. pic.twitter.com/0bvWircCkO
— Aaron Bronsteter (@aaronbronsteter) August 3, 2019
More from Yahoo Sports:
