In a blockbuster development within the world of mixed martial arts, Colby Covington, the former interim welterweight champion, has set his sights on not just capturing the welterweight crown from the formidable Leon Edwards but also on welcoming lightweight champion Islam Makhachev to the welterweight division.
Scheduled to take place in the pay-per-view headliner at the T-Mobile Arena on December 16th, Covington (17-3 MMA, 12-3 UFC) is gearing up to challenge the reigning welterweight champion, Leon Edwards (20-3 MMA, 12-2 UFC), in what promises to be an epic showdown.
The twist in the tale comes with lightweight kingpin Islam Makhachev (24-1 MMA, 13-1 UFC), fresh off a closely contested title defense against featherweight champ Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 284, hinting at a possible move up to the welterweight division. Before that, however, he has a highly anticipated rematch against Charles Oliveira scheduled for UFC 294 on October 21st.
Should Covington manage to unseat Edwards and claim the welterweight championship, he is not keen on facing the number one contender, Belal Muhammad, as his next opponent. Instead, Covington has his sights set on more lucrative and high-profile fights.
Speaking to My MMA News, Covington said, “There’s a lot of big fights after I become undisputed (champion) in December. Conor’s always looming if he wants to come back. I don’t think he’s going to want to fight when he sees the performance I put on. He doesn’t want to get embarrassed in front of the world. He’s a great fighter. He’s done great things, unpredictable. He could do anything at any moment. He’s a dangerous guy, but when he sees what I put on Leon, those guys are going to run from me.”
But it’s Covington’s comments about Islam Makhachev that have raised eyebrows and fueled the MMA chatter. He didn’t mince his words, saying, “There is that little Mongoloid. He is being talked a little bit saying he wants to come up and fight in a real man’s division because he’s in a little boy’s weight class and I’m talking about Islam Makhachev. He is fighting in a little man’s weight class. He’s fighting little midgets and he’s barely beating midgets. I mean, split decisions, split draws, it’s just pathetic.”
Despite Edwards’ recent victories over Kamaru Usman, Covington exudes confidence in his style and abilities. “It’s a great matchup,” Covington stated. “I love fighting southpaws. There’s a reason he’s delaying this matchup. He knows it’s the hardest stylistic fight for him, and for me, it’s just another fight, another big pay-per-view main event.”
He continued, “I don’t even remember the last time I fought a three-round prelim fight like some of these other bums that call out my name. I think it’s a great stylistic fight – southpaw to southpaw – and I just don’t think he can keep up with my well-roundedness. He is going to be guessing the whole time. Am I taking him down? Am I striking? Now I’m a black belt under Sensei Valverde, so my submission skills, my finishing skills, I am coming to put this dude’s lights out. He isn’t making it 25 minutes come Dec. 16.”
Covington’s ambitions are nothing short of colossal. He aims to carve his name in the annals of MMA history by dethroning the dominant Leon Edwards, but his aspirations don’t stop there. The prospect of Covington taking on Islam Makhachev, who has been on a rampage in the lightweight division, is tantalizing for fight fans. If these ambitious plans materialize, it could lead to one of the most significant crossovers in recent MMA history.
Covington’s choice of words, particularly when discussing Makhachev, adds an extra layer of intrigue to this unfolding saga. It’s clear that he’s not just chasing titles but also stirring the pot to keep fans engaged.
In the fast-paced world of MMA, fighters are constantly looking for new challenges and opportunities. Colby Covington’s audacious goals, while brash at times, reflect his determination to remain a central figure in the sport. If he manages to achieve what he’s set out to do, it could usher in an era of thrilling matchups and unforgettable moments in the UFC. Whether he’s taunting potential opponents or expressing his confidence, Covington is undoubtedly a polarizing figure who knows how to keep the MMA world talking.
