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“Just Like His Daddy Khabib Knew”: Colby Covington Drops the Truth Bomb on Islam Makhachev’s Welterweight Quest

Published 05/09/2023, 10:41 AM EDT

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Colby Covington is one of the most controversial fighters. He often makes bold claims and statements and this time he made another one that could be up for debate among the UFC fans. ‘Chaos’ recently appeared in an interview where he claimed that a fight with lightweight champion Islam Makhachev will be an easy win for him. He also took a jibe at UFC Hall of Famer Khabib Nurmagomedov.

After Leon Edwards defeated Kamaru Usman for the second time at UFC 286, UFC president Dana White declared Colby Covington as the next contender for the welterweight title. ‘Chaos’ is confident that he will overcome ‘Rocky’ and reclaim the title he never lost. Let us see what he had to say about facing the lightweight champion.

Colby Covington claims he will easily dispatch Islam Makhachev

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The former UFC interim welterweight champion stated that he will fare very well against Islam Makhachev. It was because the lightweight champion doesn’t have a good track record of fighting with southpaw-stance fighters. He mentioned Makhachev’s only UFC loss against Adriano Martins, whom ‘Chaos’ helped train. Covington said, “He [Makhachev] doesn’t fight good against southpaws.”

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In addition to the southpaw jab, Colby Covington also blasted Makhachev’s performance against featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 284. He said, “Look at how much trouble he was having with that little short midget from Australia, Volkanovski. Dude, he’s a 45 featherweight, and you wanna come to 170 now and talk this big game?.” 

Covington didn’t stop the barrage there as he also took shots against former lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov.

‘Chaos’ claims Khabib Nurmagomedov was scared of him

Colby Covington didn’t hold back on taking shots at Makhachev’s mentor, ‘The Eagle’ Khabib Nurmagomedov. The former interim champion claims to be the real reason behind the UFC Hall of Famer’s hesitation to fight in the welterweight division. He said, “He knows what would happen [Makhachev on fighting Covington] just like his daddy Khabib knew. That’s why Khabib never came to 170, because King Colby was here.”

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The 2nd-ranked welterweight also claimed that his wrestling skills were much better than Khabib Nurmagomedov’s. Covington said, “He knew he couldn’t out-wrestle me and that’s what those guys from Dagestan do.” Covington added, “I am a way better wrestler, and my accolades speak for themselves. Division I All-American national champion.” The 35-year-old claims to be levels above Makhachev in terms of striking, wrestling, and jiu-jitsu and believes it is a good matchup for him. “It’s a pretty easy match-up for me. I think I dust him [Makhachev] inside three rounds,” said the welterweight title challenger.

Colby Covington stated that he could have competed in the Olympics, but chose to fight in the UFC. However, apart from the questions surrounding who’d fare better in a fight between him and Makhachev, ‘Chaos’ would hope to get ready for his eventual clash with Leon Edwards down the line.

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What do you make of Covington’s claims? Do you agree with it? Let us know in the comments section below.

WATCH THIS STORY: Conor McGregor Takes Khabib’s Advice To Train At The Big Bear

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Written by:

Himanga Mahanta

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Himanga Mahanta is a UFC writer at EssentiallySports. He has a passion for combat sports and a deep understanding of the intricacies of MMA. With his expertise and extensive knowledge, Himanga provides in-depth coverage of UFC events and fighters, bringing his readers closer to the action and the athletes they admire.
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Edited by:

Amal Joyce