Former UFC interim welterweight champion Colby Covington is looking to make his comeback in March, and he’s set his sights on a high-stakes showdown with rising star Jack Della Maddalena. Covington, who last competed in December when he came up short against Leon Edwards for the welterweight title, believes this potential matchup could determine the next title contender in the welterweight division.
“We’ve been talking about this fight with Jack Della Maddalena,” Covington shared in an interview with Submission Radio. “I think it makes a lot of sense. He got a big win in my hometown in Miami last time he was out here, so he has a little bit of a name out here. He’s undefeated. He’s hungry. He’s fearless. He’s an exciting fighter.”
Covington, known for his competitive spirit and relentless pressure in the cage, views a fight with Della Maddalena as an ideal matchup that the fans would enjoy. “I think that’s a fight that the fans would be intrigued with. I think it’s a high-level fight,” he added. “It’s a top contender fight that establishes who’s the next contender for the belt. So that’s a fight that’s out there.”
Colby Covington Eyes UFC Fight With Jack Della Maddalena
If Covington and Della Maddalena meet in the Octagon, the bout would have serious implications for both fighters. For Covington, it offers a chance to bounce back from his loss to Edwards and reassert himself as a top contender. Meanwhile, for Della Maddalena, who’s ranked fourth in the welterweight division and boasts an undefeated record in the UFC, it presents an opportunity to face a former interim champion and earn his place in the title conversation.
Covington’s record currently stands at 17-4, and while he’s faced a mix of tough opponents, he’s also claimed wins over notable names like Robbie Lawler, Tyron Woodley, Rafael dos Anjos, and Demian Maia. His recent loss to Edwards marked a rare setback in a career filled with high-profile victories, including a decision win over Jorge Masvidal before his title shot.
For his part, Della Maddalena has been on an impressive streak, with his latest victory being a knockout against Gilbert Burns. The young contender is quickly becoming known for his skill, determination, and ability to finish fights – qualities that would make a clash with Covington one to watch.
Covington Offered to Fight Shavkat Rakhmonov at UFC 310
Interestingly, Covington’s eagerness to fight has been apparent for months. When Belal Muhammad withdrew from his scheduled UFC 310 bout with Shavkat Rakhmonov, Covington saw an opening and was quick to step forward.
“I offered, I told the UFC that I was willing to step up to the plate,” Covington revealed. “I would love to save the show and put on a good show for the fans. They pay their hard-earned money for big mega fights, they need a mega fight, that’s not a mega fight. They need someone who is going to put asses in seats and entertain people.”
Covington’s willingness to jump into the octagon and deliver a thrilling matchup for the fans reflects his commitment to the sport and his desire to stay in the title mix. However, the UFC ultimately decided to pass on his offer, a decision that led Covington to shift his focus back to the possibility of fighting Della Maddalena.
“I was excited. I wanted the fight and I asked for it, but I think they have other plans,” he said, suggesting that the timing just wasn’t right.
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Featured image credits to Embed from Getty Images and Embed from Getty Images
