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In a bizarre yet entertaining spectacle that captured the attention of both the MMA and entertainment worlds, rapper Lil Pump found himself choked out by UFC star Colby Covington. In a video posted to social media, fans watched as Covington applied a rear-naked choke to the "Gucci Gang" artist during a playful grappling session. Though it was all in good fun, Lil Pump made it clear that the tap-out was no accident, and he even insisted on going beyond the usual boundaries of safety.
"Just to be clear… I signed a waiver and told [Colby] to try his best to choke me out even if I was tapping out (watch the start of the stream)," Lil Pump explained to his Instagram followers. "Colby my f****** brother. I honestly wanted to feel what it was like to be put to sleep lol… mind u I was tapping myself."
This eyebrow-raising event wasn't just a spur-of-the-moment encounter between an MMA fighter and a rapper. The two are actually friends and have collaborated on various projects, both on and off the mat. Fans of Covington have likely seen videos of the UFC contender and the Miami rapper grappling in training sessions, showcasing their mutual love of combat sports. But perhaps more intriguingly, Covington and Pump have also teamed up to take their brand of chaos outside of the octagon, even joining forces to hunt down child predators.
Friendship Through the Fight Game
Covington, known for his polarizing personality and trash-talking in the UFC, has formed unexpected friendships over the years, with Lil Pump standing out as one of his most unique allies. While Pump's chaotic energy may seem like an odd pairing for Covington's more calculated demeanor, the two share a mutual respect for each other's talents. Covington’s grappling prowess and Lil Pump’s fearless curiosity about the MMA world have led to some hilarious and shocking moments—like this one.
It's not unusual for celebrities to step into the world of combat sports, whether it's Jake Paul taking on UFC fighters in the boxing ring or personalities like Lil Pump engaging in fun grappling matches. But Pump took things to the next level, intentionally wanting to experience what it feels like to be "put to sleep." Tap-outs are typically a safety mechanism, a fighter's signal to stop the action and avoid injury. However, in this case, Pump voluntarily requested to go all the way, even though he was tapping out—a move that illustrates his playful but intense desire for authenticity.
A Choke for the Ages
In the video, Covington, always ready for a challenge, applied the rear-naked choke, a staple submission in mixed martial arts. Known for its effectiveness, this move can cut off blood flow to the brain, forcing a fighter to tap out or, if left unchecked, lose consciousness. Lil Pump, fully understanding the risks, signed a waiver beforehand, ensuring that Covington could choke him out even if he began tapping. This was a real test of trust between the two friends—one that resulted in Pump "going to sleep" on camera.
After the match, Pump woke up with a laugh, clearly unshaken by the intense experience. "Colby my f****** brother," Pump reiterated, proving that the two have a bond that goes beyond mere Instagram fodder.
Pump's Fascination with Combat Sports & Colby Covington
For Lil Pump, this wasn’t the first time he stepped into Covington's world. Their relationship has been documented over the years, with the rapper showing up to support Covington during UFC events and training alongside him. Pump has a clear fascination with MMA, wanting to immerse himself in the technical aspects of the sport. And what better way to learn than from one of the top welterweights in the world?
This spectacle is yet another example of the crossover appeal between MMA and the entertainment industry. Celebrities like Lil Pump provide a fresh set of eyes on the sport, attracting new fans who might not otherwise be interested in MMA. Covington, meanwhile, continues to break the mold of the traditional fighter, engaging in viral moments that blend athleticism with pop culture.
The Takeaway: Fun, Trust, and Brotherhood
While the sight of a UFC fighter choking out a popular rapper may seem outlandish, this event shows the camaraderie and trust that can form through combat sports. Covington and Pump’s friendship isn't just for show—it's built on genuine mutual respect. Whether they’re sharing the mats or hunting down child predators, this dynamic duo continues to surprise fans with their wild antics.
As Lil Pump wrote, "I honestly wanted to feel what it was like to be put to sleep." Mission accomplished, brother!