Colby Covington has been one of the top welterweights in the division, known for playing mind games with his opponents prior to their bout. From sitting on the side of the cage to entering the octagon, “Chaos” is all over his opponent.
Leon Edwards defeated Covington to defend the UFC welterweight title at UFC 296. However, even before entering the fight, a semi-brawl had already started between both fighters when Leon threw a bottle at Covington during the press conference.
Colby Covington reacts to the loss vs. Leon Edwards
Colby Covington was unable to counter the attacks of the defending champion throughout the fight. Leon Edwards, in his second title defense, never showed any sign that Colby was stealing the victory from him.
Later, during the post-fight interview, “Rocky” mentioned he didn’t get the finish he wanted after what happened at the press conference when Covington dragged his deceased father into the conversation, which according to many MMA enthusiasts was believed to be a line-crossing act.
Colby Covington calls tonight's main event an easy fight 👀 #UFC296 pic.twitter.com/sjsaO10MDP
— UFC (@ufc) December 17, 2023
However, Colby, as usual on UFC 296’s last 2023’s main event night, didn’t change any facts and didn’t show any concern about what the champion was going through in the whole scenario.
During the interview, Covington instead called it the easiest fight of his career. Chaos told Joe Rogan about how he is feeling about the third title fight failure. “Oh, I feel great. I didn’t feel like I got touched; it was an easy fight, you know. I don’t have a scratch on me, so you know.”
Then Colby Covington explained his comeback plan. “I’d like to get back to work early in the first quarter of next year.” Via YouTube.
Leon Edwards defends against Colby Covington.
In less than 72 hours Leon Edwards got revenge on 35-year-old for bringing Rocky’s demised father in their upcoming fight conversation. Edwards appeared upset from the press conference to the fight result. He merely wanted to secure a victory over Covington via knockout, but his plan went in vain, and the end result still favored him.
DOMINANT from start to finish!!@Leon_EdwardsMMA went wire to wire in his victory over Colby Covington #UFC296 pic.twitter.com/BDRy5fxvkn
— UFC (@ufc) December 17, 2023
“I knew I had to control the distance. I’m a mixed martial artist. I started as a mixed martial artist. I out-grappled the grappler and out-struck him.” With Joe Rogan during the post-fight interview, emotional Leon said, “This guy used my dad’s death as entertainment. “To this day, it still breaks my heart.”
Later, Edwards did mention he cried with rage: “I was crying, just in a rage [after the press conference].” That’s the reason why Leon just wanted to beat the opponent who brought his father into the conversation.
