“I don’t know when we’ll do it but that’s the fight that makes sense and Colby came here and cut weight and did everything to be here for this fight, He deserves the fight. Not to mention that he’s the second- or third-best guy in the world.” This is what UFC president Dana White had to say about Colby ‘Chaos’ Covington who is potentially the next Welterweight title challenger.
Jorge Masvidal and Gilbert Burns both boo after Dana White reiterates that Colby Covington will get the next title shot 🗣️ #UFC287 pic.twitter.com/3xtPxunX4f
— MMA Fighting (@MMAFighting) April 6, 2023
The last time Colby Covington competed was at UFC 272 in March of last year. Where he fought and defeated Jorge Masvidal via unanimous decision. Since then both Covington and Masvidal have been out of action, though the ‘King of Miami’ will make his return this Saturday against Gilbert Burns at UFC 287, Covington is still looking for a fight. The 35-year old has been highly inactive as well, only fighting thrice in the last three years.
Who deserves the title shot against Leon Edwards?
After defeating Kamaru Usman in the rematch, Edwards has solidified himself has the king of welterweight and now awaits new challenge. Who it’s going to be is the question. As far as the rankings are concerned, Usman is still the number one contender but after losing twice to the champ, he is certainly not next in line. The next four fighters in the top five are, Colby Covington, Khamzat Chimaev, Belal Muhammad and Gilbert Burns.
Burns vs Masvidal would certainly be an important fight but it doesn’t seem like the winner will get an immediate title shot. Chimaev is most likely not going to fight at welterweight anytime soon so the remaining contenders are Covington and Belal Muhammad. Belal is on an impressive four-fight winning streak but hasn’t fought anyone in the top five yet. White is adamant to give Covington the title shot, although Covington hasn’t been the most active of fighters in recent past, he might get lucky this time and earn a not so deserving crack at the welterweight gold.
