UFC welterweight champion Leon Edwards made a laughing matter of challenger Colby Covington's 'fascination' with former US President Donald Trump at the UFC 296 media day press conference on Wednesday.

Edwards was asked about Covington's idolization of Trump when the latter showed up to the presser in a suit with Trump's mugshot printed in the back. 

'He needs to grow up and get a girlfriend or something,' Edwards said. 

Edwards could not contain his laughter when a reporter asked him to comment on Covington claiming that Trump will wrap the belt around his waist after beating Edwards at UFC 296 on Saturday.

'I think the whole scenario's weird,' Edwards said behind a chuckle. 'I don't get the fascination with another man. I know he used to be the president and stuff but he's no longer the president. '

Edwards went on to accuse his rival of picking Trump as a supporting character for his gimmick and said Covington will not be victorious against him come Saturday.

'Trump ain't wrapping nothing around his waist cause he ain't getting a belt,' Edwards said. 'Trump has been to his fights before when he's lost so Trump can't fight for him.'

Despite never winning an undisputed title in the UFC, Covington has long proclaimed himself 'America's champion' with his outspoken support for Trump. 

Covington became the first UFC fighter to get invited to the White House after winning the interim championship in 2018 and met with Trump earlier this month to have the former president sign his custom suit. 

'I'm gonna take back that title and you're gonna take back the White House,' Covington told Trump. 'We're going to make America great again.' 

After nearly two years of inactivity, Covington is getting a title shot against Edwards, after the Englishman took and defended the crown against Kamaru Usman.

Covington holds a 17-3 record and had previously challenged Usman for the title during the former champion's reign. However, Covington failed both attempts at the undisputed title.

Covington's last fight was a highly-awaited grudge match against Jorge Masvidal, which he won via unanimous decision in March 2022.

On the other hand, the highly-favored Edwards is 21-3 in his career and has not lost in his last 12 fights. Edwards last fought in March when he defended the title and closed out his trilogy with Usman in a decision win.