Colby Covington is not one to mince words in the intensely competitive world of UFC. Covington is unrepentant about his claim to the title shot as he prepares for a matchup against UFC welterweight champion Leon Edwards at UFC 296. He contrasts it with what he believes to be an unfair opportunity for Edwards.
Covington has faced backlash and criticism on his path to the main event of UFC 296 on December 16 in Las Vegas. After dropping two decisions to former champion Kamaru Usman, Covington was criticized for attempting to win the title again. He is adamant, though, that his road to the title was not one that was presented to him with a silver platter.
Covington didn’t hold back in a recent interview with UFC.com, criticizing Edwards and raising doubts about the veracity of his earlier jab at Usman. Covington claims that Edwards faced the right opponents at the right times, most notably Nate Diaz, a lightweight washout, and took a long break prior to his title shot. Edwards did not earn his shot,’I deserve this, I deserve that,’ he exclaimed, rather than putting in the effort to work for it or earn it the way I did. I had to work hard for it. I was not awarded this position to challenge for the undisputed title. I had to work for it,” Covington said, emphasizing his tenacity and resolve as qualities that make him stand out.
Covington’s criticism goes beyond words to the Octagon, where he promises to demolish Edwards and bring about the “American dream.” Due to the intense styles of both fighters, the fight is expected to be explosive and the culmination of the verbal sparring that has characterized the build-up to the fight.
As Covington hasn’t competed since March 2022, his journey to UFC 296 hasn’t been easy. Covington, a former interim champion, says that difficulties landing fights are to blame for his absence rather than a lack of desire. He talks about accepting fights against well-known opponents like Dustin Poirier and Khamzat Chimaev, only for the bouts to be canceled.
“I’ve wanted to fight, so this sitting out bullsh*t has been tough,” Covington said. “It just made me hungrier, and it made me realize how much I love this sport.”
The story of Covington, who is getting ready to return to the Octagon, is not just about a title shot; it’s also about the perseverance needed to overcome the challenges presented by the UFC welterweight division. With two fighters pursuing different paths and a fight that looks to settle the score in the most dramatic way imaginable, UFC 296 is shaping up to be more than just a championship match.
