LAS VEGAS – Despite the fighter who’s one of his biggest supporters being absent from the card, President Donald Trump chose to attend November’s UFC 244 over this week’s UFC 245.

But that wasn’t on purpose, at least not according to Colby Covington. Trump’s intention was to attend Covington’s next fight, the welterweight title challenger revealed during Wednesday’s UFC 245 athlete panel at MGM Grand Casino & Resort.

So why won’t Trump be at T-Mobile Arena on Saturday? Covington blames champion Kamaru Usman. According to Covington, Usman deferred his first title defense to a later date.

“You know the only reason (Trump) went out to Madison Square Garden was because me and ‘Marty Fakenewsman’ were supposed to be headlining that,” Covington said. “But ‘Marty Fakenewsman’ had to let the EPO get out of his system, and that’s why we couldn’t do it.

“(President Trump) put it in his schedule, and he’s too busy right now with that impeachment (expletive). It’s too bad. But I know they’ll be watching at home. I’ll get to go back to the White House and bring them a new shiny belt.”

While he said he hasn’t spoken to Trump in the lead-up to his first undisputed title challenge, Covington expects a phone call from the president should he win. For this fight week, Covington has been staying at the Trump Hotel, where he’s received “first-class treatment.”

“He didn’t call me in the lead-up to this fight, but I’m sure I’ll be getting a call after I beat up ‘Marty Fakenewsman’ on Saturday night,” Covington said. “Just like when I beat up Robbie Lawler last fight. He called me. The Trumps got me staying at their hotel. First class treatment, just like they treat America.”

Everyone should be grateful for Trump’s efforts, Covington told fans and media during the panel discussion, even as he faces possible impeachment. According to Covington, the president is working hard to save the country.

“I’m not a mark, but I do love the greatest president of all time, Donald Trump,” Covington said. “What he’s doing for America. He puts America first. I can’t thank the first family enough for what they do for America.

“They don’t have to put themselves in the spotlight and do what they do for America. They’re saving America, and everybody here should be thankful.”

UFC 245 takes place Saturday at T-Mobile Arena. The main card airs on pay-per-view following prelims on ESPN2 and early prelims on UFC Fight Pass/ESPN+.