Colby Covington is known for expressing controversial statements, even if it means risking widespread unpopularity. The 35-year-old American fought Edwards for the Welterweight title in the main event at UFC 296. But lost at his third attempt to become champion via an unanimous decision from the judges. But what stunned most MMA fans was Colby’s surprise at the outcome, with Covington oddly feeling like he won the fight.
A week prior, Covington had declared to the media that history would echo its past. He vowed to beat the British Edwards as if it were the year 1776.
“It’s great to be back on U.S. soil and get to defend my country and defend the honor of all citizens here in America… History repeats itself. It’s just going to be another 1776 and that means the British don’t come to America. You come to America, you’re going home empty-handed, junior.”
The fight didn’t go according to Colby’s script, which led to several UFC fighters mocking the American’s performance. One of the stars poking fun at Colby was Michael Chandler who derisively said Colby let down America and Trump with his ‘weak’ showing at UFC 296.
“I said after three rounds, Colby has taken 1776 shots to the face and had zero offense.” “If Colby’s offense was an accurate depiction of the U.S. military, we would have never gotten our independence. Lost World War 1, and lost World War 2. 100% [he let down Trump], it was worse than weak. It’s actually only because Colby made such a big deal about it.”
Colby Covington Makes Bold Claim Against Judges
Covington reaffirmed his position in his post-fight interview, saying that he felt he had done enough to see his hand raised. He additionally asserted that he was robbed of the victory due to the judges’ political bias against former US President Trump, present at the fight.
“I thought the third, fourth and fifth rounds were mine. The fifth was mine, easily. Fourth, I thought was mine too, and I thought I did enough in the third. He didn’t put any damage on me. He got a couple of low kicks, but then I started checking them at the end. So I thought I had the win and did enough.” “The judges never favor me. They hate me because I support Trump, and everybody hates Trump in this building, so … it is what it is. Life goes on.”
Colby’s assertion of an anti-Trump crowd contradicted the enthusiastic reception the former president received upon entering the T-Mobile Arena that night.
Many had felt Covington was undeserving of his title shot with Edwards. He was coming off a long layoff with a lack of credible wins. But now after a third failed attempt at Welterweight gold, Colby adjusted his goals. The ungracious competitor called out Stephen Thompson, a two-time former title challenger who suffered defeat against Shavkat Rakhmonov on the same card. Covington launched an attack on “Wonderboy”, accusing one of the most loved and respected fighters of being an instigator.
“There’s a guy that’s been talking a lot of s— to me in the media: Stephen ‘Wonderboy’ Thompson. Everybody thinks he’s a nice guy, but he’s had a lot to say about me, so I’d love to see him say that to me in the cage, in the Octagon.”
“He was just saying some stuff before the fight — ‘Oh, he’s going to get his jaw broke,’ this and that. He’s always talking s—, throwing shade. So I’d love to see him say it to my face. He’s always got things to say to you guys in the media, but I’ve never seen him come up to me, face to face. We’re backstage at the press conference, he kept his head down the whole time.”
What do you make of Covington’s comments? Do you feel like Colby did enough to see his hand raised against Edwards? What about his comments about the judges and Trump? Would you like to see “Chaos” face “Wonderboy” in the octagon? Share all your opinions. We’d love to hear from you!
