Covington received a presidential endorsement of sorts in the hours before his clash as Donald Trump tweeted his support of former interim champion but in the end, such was his dominance on the night it seemed that neither a Trump tweet, nor the presence of his two eldest sons in the front row, had any real impact on the evening's proceedings.

Immediately after the judges' decision was read, Covington paid tribute to the supports of Donald Trump Jr. and his brother Eric who sat cage-side at the event from the early portion of the card - something or rarity nowadays for celebratory attendees of sprawling UFC cards which can extend past six or seven hours in duration.

And it was clear that Covington appreciated their attendance, telling UFC commentator Jon Anik that he was 'inspired' by them being there before hitting a few well-oiled Trump tropes.

"I was truly inspired when the first family came in the building and came to see me backstage," Covington said. "Let's give it up to the Trumps, they're in the building tonight! They're keeping America great!

"I also want to thank the troops. Without the troops, you know, our service men and women, none of this would be possible. They sacrifice their lives for our freedoms and I wouldn't be able to do this today without them."

Covington, by now clearly revelling in the image of the pro wrestling heel which he has cultivated, addressed the man he had just defeated.

"Let's talk about the lesson we learned tonight," Covington said. "It's a strong lesson that Robbie should have learned from his good buddy Matt Hughes. You stay off the tracks when the train is coming through, junior. Don't matter if it's the Trump train or the Colby train, get out of the way!"

This is likely a reference to a 2017 incident in which a car being driven by UFC Hall of Famer Matt Hughes was struck by a train, leaving the former welterweight champion severely injured. Hughes was a long-time training partner of Lawler's. 

He then focus his crosshairs on current 170lb king Kamaru Usman, who was surveyed the fight as part of the ESPN broadcast team.

"I don't want to wait until November 2 at Madison Square Garden to do it, we can do it tonight," Covington declared. "We can do it right now. Where you at?"

Somewhat predictably Covington's actions post-fight didn't go down well with members of the MMA community, some of whom took to Twitter to have their voices heard.