Ahead of their upcoming title fight, Leon Edwards has studied Colby Covington and is not impressed, stating that Covington is not as good as everyone thinks and that he and his team have a great game plan to neutralize Covington’s strengths.
Leon Edwards has been doing his homework on Colby Covington. They’re set to go head-to-head in an upcoming title fight. Edwards, however, isn’t exactly blown away by what he’s seen of Covington.
The big showdown is scheduled for UFC 296 this Saturday. Edwards is defending his welterweight title for the second time. The opponent? Covington. Edwards has had ample opportunity to review Covington’s past performances. After all, Covington hasn’t fought since he defeated Jorge Masvidal in March 2022.
So, what’s Edwards’ takeaway from all this research? His verdict is pretty straightforward. “He’s not as good as everyone thinks,” Edwards shared during the UFC 296 media day on Wednesday. He went on to list Covington’s past defeats, including being stopped by TKO, choked out, and taken down.
Edwards sees Covington as a “normal fighter” who’s a bit more scrappy. He even compared him to Kamaru Usman, but scrappier. Edwards and his team have a game plan. They aim to neutralize Covington’s strengths and take him out.
Edwards isn’t exactly sure why Covington was chosen as his next title challenger. But he doesn’t seem to mind. All he knows is that Covington is the obstacle standing between him and retaining his top spot in the welterweight division.
Covington’s selection for another championship opportunity has raised eyebrows. Fans and media alike have questioned the decision, especially given Covington’s long layoff. Edwards believes this says something about Covington’s future in the sport.
Edwards shared his thoughts, saying, “I believe so.” He pointed out that Covington has been avoiding the younger, rising fighters. He’s rejected all the UFC’s offers and has been inactive for two years. Edwards doubts Covington’s willingness to take on the new generation of fighters, even if he wins the belt.
Edwards predicts that Covington might retire or move down after their fight. He’s noticed Covington’s repeated call-outs to Islam. Edwards suggests, “let him go fight Islam at lightweight.”
Covington’s notorious trash talk has been a hot topic leading up to their fight. Edwards mostly brushes it off. However, he did comment on Covington’s odd devotion to former President Donald Trump.
Covington has claimed that Trump will be present at their fight. He even showed up to media day in a custom suit featuring the American flag and Trump’s face. Edwards finds this baffling.
Edwards shared his confusion, saying, “I don’t know, I think the whole scenario is weird.” He doesn’t understand Covington’s fascination with Trump, especially since he’s no longer president. Edwards finds it strange that Covington would choose to base his character on Trump.
Edwards doesn’t believe Trump will be wrapping anything around Covington’s waist. He points out that Trump has attended Covington’s fights before, even the ones he lost. Edwards’ advice to Covington? “He needs to grow up and go get a girlfriend or something.”