UFC star Colby Covington made headlines Wednesday by directing his media appearance away from upcoming opponent Joaquin Buckley and focusing instead on NBA superstar LeBron James.
Covington criticized James for a resurfaced video linking him to controversial music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs.
At the start of the press conference, Covington referenced an old Instagram Live video where James referred to Combs’ events as “Diddy parties.”
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In the video, James said, “Ain’t no party like a Diddy party,” a statement Combs enthusiastically endorsed at the time.
Since LeBron James is trending on 𝕏 for endorsing Kamala Harris, here he is with P Diddy saying:
“Ain’t no Party like a Diddy Party” 🤔
LeBron wouldn’t be happy if you retweeted this pic.twitter.com/kkGizet8NL
— MAGA Voice (@MAGAVoice) November 1, 2024
The video has taken on new significance following Combs’ legal troubles.
In September, Combs was indicted on federal charges, including racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking by force, fraud, or coercion, and transportation to engage in prostitution.
Prosecutors allege that Combs ran a criminal enterprise through his business ventures, which included orchestrating “Freak Offs”—elaborate sexual performances that were reportedly recorded by Combs.
Covington used the press conference to press James on the video. “I want to ask LeBron what does he mean by, ‘There’s no party like a Diddy party,’” Covington said. “And not only that, LeBron, how many Diddy parties have you actually been to? I’m really curious to know. And is that the reason you left social media because of all the backlash you were getting for going to so many Diddy parties?”
Recently, an NFL fan confronted James over his alleged attendance at Combs’ parties before security intervened.
🚨🚨🚨WILD VIDEO🚨🚨🚨#EAGLES FAN AT THE #RAMS GAME WAS YELLING AT LEBRON JAMES ABOUT BEING AT “DIDDY PARTIES”
“WE KNOW YOU WAS AT THEM DIDDY PARTIES; WE KNOW YOU WAS THERE”
Security told the fan they had to stop yelling this at LeBron
(h/t @uSTADIUM) pic.twitter.com/Y7nVJyI1Ko
— MLFootball (@_MLFootball) November 27, 2024
However, it remains unclear whether James actually attended any of the events in question.
Covington did not hold back in his criticism, referring to James as a poor role model. “It’s pathetic, man,” Covington said. “People think this guy is a role model. He wants to defund the police, the most patriotic people in America, serving and protecting our country. LeBron, you’re a f—ing scumbag, and I hope you get locked up in the same cell with Diddy.”
Colby Covington: “I wanna ask LeBron, what does he mean by ‘There’s no party like a Diddy party’?… LeBron you’re a f***ing scumbag and I hope you get locked up in the same cell with Diddy.”
Savage @ColbyCovMMA🤣
pic.twitter.com/16M4sFeCQi— Benny Johnson (@bennyjohnson) December 11, 2024
This isn’t the first time Covington has targeted LeBron James.
The outspoken fighter has previously criticized the basketball star, often using public appearances to voice his opinions on controversial issues and individuals.
James wasn’t the only person Covington took aim at during the press conference.
He also criticized UFC fighter Jon “Bones” Jones and other fighters within the sport.
Covington, an American fighter with a professional record of 17-4, has had a mixed run in recent years.
His most recent fight at UFC 296 ended in a loss to Leon Edwards. In his last five fights, he has gone 2-3, with his last victory coming against Jorge Masvidal in March 2022.
While Covington prepares for his next match, his off-the-cage remarks continue to draw attention, fueling both criticism and support from fans and commentators alike.
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