Leon Edwards, the current welterweight champion, has consistently downplayed Colby Covington as an unworthy opponent for the next shot at the title. However, Colby is constantly reminding ‘Rocky’ to accept Dana White’s decision without raising any questions.
After Dana White announced at the UFC 286 post-fight press conference that Covington will be given another shot at the welterweight title as the most deserving opponent in the division, there has been considerable debate. WIth Prospects like Belal Muhammad and Khamzat Chimaev waiting in line, picking Colby seemed understandebly ridiculous.
🚨| Dana White announces Colby Covington will get the next title shot against Leon Edwards after #UFC286.
"He deserves the fight."#UFC286 #UFC #MMA pic.twitter.com/nrJXYhuudF
— MMA Orbit (@mma_orbit) March 19, 2023
The reigning champion couldn’t comprehend why Colby is the opponent he should be facing next. Meanwhile many MMA enthusiasts are even saying it is simply “Dana White’s privilege” that the American fighter is receiving.
What did Colby Covington say to Leon Edwards?
Edwards, who recently defeated Kamaru Usman to retain his title, also believes Colby is just getting benefited from Dana’s White privilege because there would be no reason for ‘Chaos’ to earn another title shot after failing twice, but Colby keeps referring to himself as the deserving title contender and pressuring Leon to accept the fight regardless of the circumstances.
In an interview with MMA Fighting, the former interim welterweight title holder issued a severe warning to the 170 lb kingpin. Covington persuaded the British champ to comply with the UFC president’s decision and prepare for the next bout with him,
“There’s a saying, Leon – and shut your fumbling mouth and listen. Open your stupid ears and listen to the advice that I give because it’s the only advice I’m going to give to you. Leon: You don’t cross your boss. And you will learn the hard way.”
"If Usman doesn't exist, Colby's been the champ now for a while."
Dana White responds to Leon Edwards' claim he'll turn down Colby Covington.#UFCSanAntonio | Full video: https://t.co/VpwG41qrbu pic.twitter.com/RBV6dqETw4
— MMA Junkie (@MMAJunkie) March 26, 2023
Since winning by unanimous decision over Jorge Masvidal at UFC 272, Covington hasn’t competed in the octagon. Meanwhile, Rocky vanquished The Nigerian Nightmare twice during this time. On the other hand, the current number two ranked fighter in the welterweight division was defeated by Usman twice in his last four fights.
Undisputed #1 Contender 🇺🇸🦅🏆
You don’t gotta like it… But you better learn to live with it.
📸- @ufc pic.twitter.com/rhn38lHGO7
— Colby Covington (@ColbyCovMMA) March 22, 2023
Do you too think Covington needs to prove himself in order to compete for the title again? Describe your viewpoint in the comment section below.
