Leon Edwards and Colby Covington are all set to fight each other at UFC 296. While fans eagerly await the match, experts from the fighting world have started making predictions. Former UFC title challenger Anthony Smith shared valuable insights regarding the fight in a recent YouTube video.

While speaking to James Lynch, Smith highlighted the difference between Covington and Usman. Edwards defended his title successfully against Usman twice. Although Edwards dominated his last fight against Usman, Smith feels Covington will be a much tougher opponent. Let us delve in to find out what ‘Lionheart’ said about the fight. 

‘It’s gonna be a much tougher fight for him’- Anthony Smith 

UFC 296 is all set to host two of the most complete fighters in the UFC. While many believe that ‘ Chaos’ did not earn this fight, we cannot deny the fact that he is the number 3 ranked Welterweight at the moment. Edwards might be the favorite for the match after his recent performances against Kamaru Usman. However, Anthony Smith feels this fight will be much more challenging than the previous one. 

James Lynch, in his recent interview, asked several fighters about their favorites for the fight. In his video, Smith said: ‘Man, I am gonna make so many believers mad here, but that’s a tough match for Leon. Colby is more tenacious with his takedowns than Kamaru. It comes down to injuries. I don’t think that Kamaru has pretty much no knees left, so he doesn’t wrestle as much as he used to. Colby is not going to stand in front of Leon, so we have seen Leon get tired.”

“We have seen him slow down in both the Usman fights. Colby’s pace is going to be much higher than Kamaru. We have seen Colby tire out Usman both times, you know. It’s going to be a much tougher fight for him. People feel that because he knocked out Kamaru once, they think he will go out and win the fight. I don’t think that’s going to happen.”

Covington and Edwards have had some of the most memorable fights inside the octagon. Edwards rose to fame after he defeated Usman twice. Covington, on the other hand, is making a return after a long gap. It will be interesting to see how both fighters line up for their fight. 

How did Colby Covington manage to get into the fight?

‘Chaos’ is returning to the ring after 21 months of inactivity. He last fought at UFC 272 where he defeated Jorge Masvidal. Many, including Edwards, believed he should not have received the title opportunity after such a long stint of inactivity. Further, he does not hold a win over any of the active ranked WW contenders. His title short was assured by UFC CEO Dana White for making weight as the backup for UFC 286 in London in March.

Covington will have the chance to silence his haters when he enters the ring. Known for his charismatic attitude and outstanding fitness, ‘ Chaos’ will be a formidable opponent for Edwards. 

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Both fighters have been going against each other for quite some time now. While Edwards feels Covington is not the deserving one for the title shot, ‘ Chaos’ also feels Edwards ‘cried’ his way to a title. Will we see a new Champion at UFC 296? Let us know in the comments below. 

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