Colby Covington is gearing up for his anticipated return later in the month, set to go up against Joaquin Buckley in the main event at UFC Tampa. Lightweight champion Islam Makhachev has recently voiced some critical opinions about Covington, generating significant interest.
Following his loss to Leon Edwards last December, Covington took a break throughout the year due to a foot injury and a strategic comeback plan.
His return coincides with UFC 310, where welterweight champ Belal Muhammad withdrew from his title defense due to injury. Despite Covington’s claims of willingness to fight Shavkat Rakhmonov, the latter mentioned that he, alongside several other welterweight fighters, declined the opportunity.
Known for his bold statements in the UFC, Covington has a history of calling out fighters in various weight classes. Prior to his showdown with Edwards, he highlighted his preference to fight at his natural weight, differing from Makhachev, whom he accused of being a “weight bully.” Covington stated, “Let me know who’s gonna be eating like this seven days out from a fight, no one. I don’t cut weight though, I’m a real fighter… I’m not a weight bully like Islam Makhachev.”
This isn’t the first time Covington has made such remarks, having previously targeted Khabib Nurmagomedov and Makhachev for extreme weight-cutting practices.
Responding to Covington’s comments, Islam Makhachev didn’t hold back, criticizing him before his comeback. Makhachev said, “First, let’s describe who Colby is. A man who can’t prove anything with his fights, but tries to be well known with his mouth. This is what he does.” Makhachev highlighted that all fighters engage in weight cuts and suggested that Covington is seeking attention through his talk rather than his skills inside the octagon.
Despite the tension, Makhachev has shown interest in potentially moving up to welterweight for another title shot, hinting at a potential future showdown with Covington, if Covington can revive his career.
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