Colby Covington Appears at WSOP Playing Poker, Talks About UFC White House Visit

UFC welterweight star Colby Covington recently appeared at the 2025 World Series of Poker (WSOP), where the outspoken fighter took a break from playing cards to speak with media about his thoughts on the UFC's recent invitation to the White House.

From the Octagon to the Poker Table

Covington is no stranger to poker, but the WSOP stage still feels new to him. He sat at a mixed-game table, exchanging plays with several professional poker players, looking relaxed. When asked why he came to play the WSOP, Covington said, "Poker and fighting both require strategy, patience, and the ability to read people. I enjoy this intellectual battle."

He did not reveal which specific events he entered, but based on the scene, he likely played in the $1,000 buy-in No-Limit Hold'em event. Covington emphasized that he is not a professional poker player, just someone who enjoys the challenge poker offers.

On the UFC White House Trip

The conversation quickly turned to the news of the UFC's recent invitation to the White House to meet with the U.S. President. Covington expressed excitement about this: "It's a huge honor for the UFC. Combat sports are finally getting the recognition they deserve." He mentioned that UFC President Dana White led multiple champion fighters on a tour of the White House and discussed topics like sports and veterans with the President.

Covington himself did not accompany the group, but he believes this visit marks a significant step in the mainstream acceptance of MMA. "We're no longer a fringe sport; we're a real sport," he added. He noted that poker and fighting share a similar path — both are striving for greater societal recognition.

The Intersection of Poker and Fighting

Covington also discussed how he applies poker skills to his fight training. "Reading cards is like reading an opponent's expressions and weaknesses. In the cage, you also have to quickly assess the other guy's intentions." He joked that if he loses at poker, he'll just consider it "paying tuition" to the poker community.

The WSOP crowd reacted warmly to Covington's arrival, with many fans lining up for photos. The fighting star said he might appear at poker events more frequently in the future. "If time allows, I'll come back. Poker is fun, and it gives me a break from training."

Summary

Colby Covington's WSOP appearance, though brief, added a splash of crossover appeal between poker and combat sports. Regardless of his final results, his attitude of enjoying the process earned respect from fellow players and fans. And his take on the UFC's White House trip reflects the rising status of mixed martial arts in America.