After Leon Edwards successfully defended his title against Kamaru Usman on UFC 286, UFC head honcho Dana White announced in the post-fight interview that Colby Covington will face the welterweight champion in his next fight.
Rocky and The Nigerian Nightmare squared off against one another for the third time tonight. On the main card of UFC 286 at The O2 Arena in London, United Kingdom. Edwards, the reigning welterweight champion, had a split-decision victory over Usman, the number-one-ranked contender in the division.
Dana White: Colby Covington gets next title shot against Leon Edwards ‘no matter what happens’ (@DamonMartin) https://t.co/Y3q8yQPj8F pic.twitter.com/vJ8NOa7de4
— MMA Fighting (@MMAFighting) March 19, 2023
Rocky is scheduled to fight Colby, a former Interim Welterweight Champion of the UFC, as stated by the President of the UFC. This will be the second consecutive time the Miami-based fighter will get a title shot with only one bot win in between.
What does Leon Edwards think about facing off against Colby Covington next?
During the UFC 286 post-match interview, Dana discussed his thoughts over the possibility of Rocky fighting “Chaos” in his next title defense bout.
“I don’t know when we’ll do it, but that’s the fight that makes sense. Colby came here and cut weight and did everything to be here for this fight. He deserves the fight, not to mention he’s the second or third-best guy in the world.” said Dana.
Dana White just CONFIRMED that Leon Edwards vs Colby Covington is NEXT #UFC286 pic.twitter.com/Vn1oUciFLV
— Spinnin Backfist (@SpinninBackfist) March 19, 2023
Despite the fact that Dana seems to be rather certain about Rocky’s next fight, it appears that the British fighter is not overly happy with the decision. The 31-year-old reigning champion has second thoughts about facing the American fighter.
“I don’t know how that makes sense. I’m the king now. I’ve earned my name so I feel like I should decide who’s next. He hasn’t fought for over a year and a half. Sat out not injured. I don’t get how he just slides in for a world title shot when there are other guys in the division that have been active.” said Leon.
Leon Edwards on Colby Covington getting the next title shot: “I don’t know how that makes sense" 🏆 #UFC286
"I’m the king now. I’ve earned my way, so I feel like I should decide who’s next.” pic.twitter.com/d79iv51Z5V
— MMA Fighting (@MMAFighting) March 19, 2023
Colby’s most recent bout took place exactly one year ago, at UFC 272. The 35-year-old fighter triumphed in a unanimous decision over Jorge Masvidal. It would be intriguing if the bout ever had a definitive date because Leon is now a fighter who has won against Usman twice. On the other hand, Usman is a fighter who has won against Colby twice.
Colby Covington wants next at IFW 👀 #UFC286 pic.twitter.com/2ugH2nHpBm
— ESPN MMA (@espnmma) March 19, 2023
Who do you think will come out on top if Rocky squares up against Chaos in the octagon? Share your opinion in the comment section.
