In a surprising turn of events, Colby Covington suffered a TKO loss to Joaquin Buckley at UFC Fight Night this past Saturday. The fight, which Covington took on short notice, ended with a doctor stoppage due to a severe cut above Covington's eye. Covington acknowledged the short preparation time in a YouTube video, stating he didn't have a full training camp. However, he also attributed the loss to his involvement in President-elect Donald Trump's campaign, claiming it diverted his attention from training.

Covington, a staunch Trump supporter, expressed optimism about the upcoming presidential term, predicting "the greatest four years in history" with positive economic impacts. He previously referred to Trump as his "biggest role model." Trump himself is a known UFC enthusiast and has attended numerous events, including UFC 309 at Madison Square Garden. Covington had hoped Trump would present him with the welterweight championship belt at UFC 296, but he lost that fight to Leon Edwards.