MMA News Roundup: Vicente Luque Breaks Silence After Ian Garry Pulls Out Of UFC 296, Colby Covington Attacks LeBron James, ‘Chaos’ Snubs Dana White for Donald Trump

There have been some significant developments in the MMA world over the last 24 hours after UFC 296 suffered a major blow. But, as usual, fans often find it hard to keep up with the noteworthy moments due to time constraints. However, we are here to help with yet another edition of the daily roundup to highlight the biggest headlines in our favorite sport.

We will start off with Vicente Luque, who broke his silence after Ian Garry pulled out of UFC 296. Then we will shift our focus to Colby Covington, who called out NBA star LeBron James. Finally, we will conclude the daily news compilation with former president Donald Trump, who could replace Dana White to hand the welterweight title to ‘Chaos’ if he wins the UFC 296 headliner.

Vicente Luque responded to Ian Garry’s UFC 296 pullout

‘The Silent Assassin’ addressed the recent blow to the main card of UFC 296 in a post on Instagram. He acknowledged Ian Garry’s medical predicament. Vicente Luque did not have any negative things to say about ‘The Future’ and instead wished him a speedy recovery from pneumonia.

“I don’t know if he’s in the hospital or how he is but he’s not gonna make it to the fight… I wish the best recovery, speedy recovery for him, and the best for his family,” said the 32-year-old. Luque also mentioned that he had one of the easiest weight-cutting processes ever in his entire MMA career and was looking forward to this fight.

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“Weight cut has been going so, so good. The easiest weight cut I’ve had in my career,” Vicente Luque further stated. In the end, he stated that he understands that not everything is under his control, so there is no animosity between him and Ian Garry due to the pullout. We will have to wait and see how things pan out for both welterweights in the days to come.

Colby Covington issued a call-out to LeBron James

The UFC held the media day recently for the upcoming PPV this weekend. Many fighters appeared during the event, including Colby Covington. When the event ended, the former interim champion made an abrupt return to the stage and sounded off on NBA star LeBron James, due to his recent incident of not standing during the national anthem.

“If you hate America so much and you don’t like this country that gave you a billion dollars, leave it,” said Covington. He also mentioned that if James was not willing to leave the country, he could face the music with ‘Chaos’, while calling the NBA star a “coward.” Colby Covington added, “F*** you, LeBron James, you’re a coward, you’re a spineless coward, and you’re a b*tch.” It remains to be seen how LeBron James reacts to these comments from the UFC star.

Donald Trump could present the welterweight title to Colby Covington

Recently, the 45th US president revealed that he will attend the UFC’s final pay-per-view of 2023 to support Colby Covington for his fight against Leon Edwards. When ‘Chaos’ was asked about speculation regarding Donald Trump putting the title around his waist, he confirmed it. He said, “There is truth to that. Donald Trump will be in attendance Saturday night and he’s going to wrap that belt around me.”

Traditionally, UFC CEO Dana White is the one who presents the title belt to the winner, but Colby Covington has other plans. “I love Dana White, but I just asked Dana if he could let Donald put it [the title] around me. So, it’s going to be a spectacle,” said the former interim champion. That will only come to fruition if Covington can beat Leon Edwards, who’s on an incredible undefeated run.

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