Former welterweight title challenger Colby Covington is yet to fight in 2024 and has called out a Brazilian star as next opponent.
Since his disappointing display against current champion Leon Edwards many fans and fellow fighters have urged Covington to fight up and coming contenders given his position and three failed title shots. Of course the brash American had brushed off that idea and recently called for the clear number one contender at welterweight, Belal Muhammed and former lightweight king Charles Oliveira.
Oliveira is one of the most exiting fighters on the roster and a huge fan favourite not only in Brazil but across the globe. At UFC 300 he lost a close fight against Arman Tsarukyan, and post fight there were rumours of a move up to welterweight.
Colby Covington Wants Legacy Fights
Speaking to popular channel Submission Radio Covington confirmed the names he has his eyes on next and the Ian Machado Garry fight that has seemingly fizzled out for UFC 303.
“I want legacy fights. I think a guy like Charles Oliveira makes sense. He was out there saying the other day that he wants to come up to welterweight. So, I’m the King of f*ckin’ Brazil, man. Everybody knows I run that f*cking country. So, all the women love me. All the men in Brazil want to be like me.” Quotes via LowkickMMA.
It is well known that Covington is not a popular man in Brazil due to launching a verbal attack on the crowd after his victory over Demian Maia in 2017. However, it was that very moment that saved the UFC career of the American. The fight rumours with Machado Garry had brewed constantly since the Irishman’s last performance at UFC 298. As it stands the fight looks off the table due to Covington listing a few odd stipulations in his normal tasteless manner. Additionally, the call out of Muhammed comes out of left field as Covington has failed to recognise the man actually exists in recent years.
A fight with Oliveira is far more attainable as it offers the Brazilian a chance to get into the welterweight tile mix immediately with a victory. The fight itself is excellent and could find itself headlining any fight night or very deep into a PPV main card. Regarding a date for this potential matchup Covington has pencilled in a late summer or autumn return. Therefore this could well feature on the much anticipated UFC 306 card in The Sphere rumoured to be headlined by superstar Sean O’Malley and Merab Dvalishvili.
Featured image credits to Embed from Getty Images
