During the UFC 296 pre-fight press conference, Colby Covington caused a stir by insulting Leon Edwards‘ late father, leading to a near brawl and escalating tensions ahead of their main event fight.
Colby Covington, a UFC fighter, is known for his no-holds-barred approach. This was evident during a heated incident at the UFC 296 pre-fight press conference on Thursday.
Covington, decked out in an outfit reminiscent of George Washington, didn’t hold back. He took shots at everyone on stage, including Ian Machado Garry and Stephen “Wonderboy” Thompson. However, his insult towards UFC welterweight champion Leon Edwards nearly sparked a brawl.
The main event fighters were engaged in a verbal spat when Covington took a cheap shot. He made a distasteful comment about Edwards’ late father, who was tragically murdered in a London nightclub when Edwards was just 13.
Covington yelled, “On Saturday night, I’m going to bring you to a place you never want to be. I’m going to bring you to the seventh level of hell. We’ll say what’s up to your dad while we’re there.”
Upon hearing this, Edwards reacted instantly. He hurled a water bottle across the stage at Covington and leapt from his seat. Covington mirrored his actions, and security had to rush in to separate the fighters.
Edwards didn’t stop shouting at Covington until order was restored. When asked about the insult, Edwards shrugged it off. He maintained that the fight at UFC 296 wasn’t personal, but his feelings towards Covington were solidified.
“Not really [personal],” Edwards said. “The guy’s a piece of s***, but just make sure you keep that same energy backstage. Keep that energy backstage.”
Covington had a response ready. UFC play-by-play man Jon Anik was on high alert, just in case the situation escalated. “Make sure you save that f****** energy in the ring Saturday night,” Covington retorted.
Thankfully, tempers didn’t flare up again during the press conference. UFC matchmaker Sean Shelby and security ensured Edwards and Covington didn’t get too close during the faceoff.
The two fighters are set to settle their beef on Saturday night. They will face off in the UFC 296 main event at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.