Former interim welterweight champion Colby Covington is setting his sights on a future showdown with lightweight kingpin Islam Makhachev.
Former interim welterweight champion Colby Covington is setting his sights on a future showdown with lightweight kingpin Islam Makhachev. He confidently described the hypothetical bout as an “easy” clash for him.
Covington is currently ranked as the number two contender in the welterweight division. He has been away from active competition since headlining UFC 272 in March of last year. When he secured a unanimous decision victory over his arch-rival Jorge Masvidal.
Makhachev is the Russian grappling ace. He successfully defended his lightweight crown against Alexander Volkanovski in a closely-contested unanimous decision win at UFC 284 in February. He is set to face former champion Charles Oliveira in a title rematch at UFC 284 in Abu Dhabi in October.
While Covington’s own return fight is yet to be booked. He is expected to co-headline UFC 295 in November against the current welterweight titleholder Leon Edwards at Madison Square Garden.
Should Covington emerge victorious against Edwards and claim the welterweight title? He has expressed his enthusiasm for a potential title defense against Makhachev in the future.
“I love it, boys,” Covington said of the possibility of facing Makhachev. “You know, you got the USA versus Russia angle. I think the fight sells. It’s a big fight, you know – it’s not a competitive fight. I win it going away, I beat him pillar to post.”
Confident in his abilities Covington pointed out that Makhachev wouldn’t be able to keep up with him in wrestling or striking. He even revealed that he trained a fighter who previously knocked out Makhachev. Adding to his belief that the matchup would be in his favor.
Comparing the potential bout to the iconic “Rocky 4” storyline of Rocky Balboa facing Ivan Drago. Covington expressed excitement about the prospect of the fight. However, he also left the door open saying, “We’ll see what happens.”
While Covington’s fight with Makhachev remains speculative for now. The possibility of the two talented fighters meeting in the Octagon has stirred up interest among fans and could be a compelling storyline for the future. Only time will tell if this intriguing matchup will come to fruition.
For more UFC news and updates
Read: UFC Fight Night 224 results: Tom Aspinall’s stunning TKO victory
Read: UFC Fight Night 224: Preview, Prediction, Where to Watch, Venue, and Tickets
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