UFC welterweight Colby Covington has long played up a vicious heel persona. He has proudly played the villain opposite a who’s-who of the UFC welterweight elite, including Jorge Masvidal and former champion Kamaru Usman.
Covington broke character – if only temporarily – to sing the praises of a fighter who once ruled two divisions below him, in a bid to welcome Conor McGregor to the 170-pound elite.
UFC Welterweight Colby Covington Showers Praise on Conor McGregor
“He’s a great fighter, a history-maker. He’s made history multiple times. Knocking out José Aldo in seconds was one of the most incredible things that’s ever happened in the UFC. The things he’s done in the sport, no one’s ever been able to do.
Conor’s the ultimate showman and he’s the ultimate businessman. I love what Conor’s done. I hope to be able to cross paths with him and fight him someday after I win this world title against Leon Edward ‘Scissorhands’ from the UK.
That could be my next fight in line. I have nothing but respect and admiration for Conor for what he’s done in this sport. He’s made it possible for every fighter.”
McGregor’s latest venture – outside of Irish whiskey and his new Forged Irish Stout – is coaching on this season of The Ultimate Fighter opposite Michael Chandler. McGregor’s next fight is most likely to be opposite Chandler at the conclusion of the season.
However, despite both fighters being listed in the UFC lightweight division, a promotional reel for the TV show saw McGregor offering Chandler the fight a full thirty pounds above the lightweight limit, at 185 pounds. Whether this comes to fruition or not, McGregor is clearly eyeing a higher weight class for his comeback.
Colby Covington, on the other hand, believes that he is next in line to fight Leon Edwards for the UFC welterweight title. Covington weighed in as backup for Edwards’ first title defense, a rematch against Kamaru Usman, and expects a shot at Edwards for himself in the near future.
When Abu Dhabi was proposed as a potential location, Covington was unimpressed. He also accused Edwards of ducking him, refusing to fight Covington on home soil in London, England.
“[Abu Dhabi is] an odd place to do it. This is gonna happen on American soil. That’s where the biggest and best business gets done anyway, boys. This is where the market is at. The biggest and best markets are over here in America. It’s gonna be a spectacle. It’s gonna be a big thing.
Leon has no say in this. He needs to sit there and take what he gets like a good little boy. He doesn’t get to pick. He has no say in the matter. He just needs to show up when the UFC tells him.
The fact that you just turned down a home date in London, how do you turn that down? That’s disgusting. You’re sh*tting on all your fans.”
