The rumblings of Leon Edwards’ controversial title defense against Kamaru Usman are still shaking up the welterweight division. In light of that, Colby Covington jumped on to Michael Bisping’s podcast to discuss his own and his division’s future. As it is always with him, Covington didn’t hold on to the words that Bisping was looking to hear.
Colby Covington Is Not Impressed With the Champion
When sharing his view of ‘Edwards v Usman III,‘ Covington didn’t hesitate to mark his disappointments with both fighters. He said that Leon Edwards’ performance was nowhere near impressive, and he didn’t look like a ‘world-beater’. As he stated, “Usman was a completely different fighter when I fought him. It looks like the hunger’s gone.” He questioned Usman’s training intensity and said the former champ is ‘making all these excuses with injuries.”
Bisping touched back to UFC President Dana White’s fight night press conference, where he announced that Covington would be given the next title shot. Covington answered with a question of his own and asked Bisping the whereabouts of ‘Edwards’ hideout’. He also indicated that he’s excited to ‘put his hands’ on the champion.
‘Chaos’ was the backup fighter for the main event of UFC 286, and apparently, it wasn’t until Tuesday of the fight week he learned that he should travel to London with the bunch. Yet avoiding ‘excuses’, Covington said, “I was ready to fight both of those guys with a moment’s notice.” He believed that his expansive skill set in the octagon wasn’t the only reason that a title shot was given to him. But his ‘ultra-professionalism’ and willingness to compromise for the sport & the company were complementary also. He advised Edwards to be a ‘company man’ like himself and follow the instructions, though Edwards said he ‘wouldn’t sign for the fight until Covington returns and beats at least one top prospect.’
Covington Threatens Jon Anik
Commentator Jon Anik spared some commending words about Belal Mohammad while vaguely questioning White’s decision of the next title challenger on the fight night. Covington was later seen chucking death threats to Anik as he publicly denounced any cloud cast over his title shot. UFC is yet to release a statement, but it’s safe to say that his antics didn’t have the best response from the fans.
As Bisping enquired about the situation, Covington responded with strong words. He issued a warning for the beloved commentator as he said, “When the train’s coming over, you better get out of the way.”
Covington Offered to Fight Dustin Poirier
Covington continued to praise his commitment to the company through the end of his appearance on the podcast. He stated that he ‘accepted every fight that UFC offered him’. And also added that along the way, White offered him a chance to settle his ‘personal vendetta’ with Poirier inside the octagon. ‘Chaos’ indicated that the reason the fight ‘would sell big tickets’ didn’t originate from his side of the table.
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