Colby Covington is considering moving up to middleweight to fight opponents like Sean Strickland, while also remaining open to notable welterweight matchups and potential fights with 155-pound veterans.
Colby Covington envisions himself not just stepping into the 185-pound division but dominating its top contenders. In a chat with Submission Radio, the welterweight veteran revealed his potential plans to move up in weight, eyeing a bout with former middleweight champ Sean Strickland. Covington shared why he favors a middleweight shift over dropping to lightweight and pinpointed Strickland as a winnable opponent.
"The Sean Strickland fight is always interesting," Covington noted. "He’s had his words about me before. I don’t see him as anything special. He’s got a jab, a front kick, but if you neutralize those, he’s quite limited. Essentially, he’s just a cardio kickboxer. No real threats there. It’s an entertaining fight I might consider in the future."
Currently, Strickland’s schedule is packed as he gears up for a rematch against Dricus du Plessis at UFC 312 on February 8 in Sydney. But it’s not just Strickland drawing Covington’s attention to a new weight class. "Chaos" has faced many notable welterweights, even snagging an interim title in 2018 and challenging for undisputed gold three times.
Despite being smaller than most middleweights, Covington believes he can emulate fighters like Strickland and Robert Whittaker, who thrived after moving up from 170 pounds. "Honestly, ’85 is intriguing," Covington mused. "The narrative of a small ’70 taking on bigger challenges sounds cool. I’m always hunting for the biggest and best fights."
Covington added, "Those guys are slower at middleweight. That’s why welterweights succeed when they move up. Guys like Whittaker and Strickland became champions because middleweights lack athleticism." He emphasized the importance of maintaining speed while adding muscle for this transition.
If Covington remains at welterweight, his next opponent remains uncertain, though he’s open to facing 155-pound veterans Paddy Pimblett and Michael Chandler. "There are some fun options," he mentioned. "I want the UFC and fans to decide my next move."
Covington continued, "I’m the marquee name in the division. That last-minute fight I took ended up being the highest gate in North American history for a Fight Night." He left his future matchups in the hands of Hunter Campbell but hinted at settling scores with Pimblett and Chandler, who’ve both been vocal about him.
In essence, whether staying put or moving up, Covington is eager for premier fights that solidify his star status in MMA.