Colby Covington has been eyeing a welterweight title shot ͏against Leon Edwards for quite some time, and it appears that the fighter has finally secured his opportunity. The two are set to go head-to-head at UFC 296, where they will headline the event. However, a big fight without some banter is often considered dull, and ͏Covington͏ has stepped up to fill that gap.

The American in his recent statement has blatantly claimed that unlike Edwards he deserves this title shot and he will get the belt off him. His statement has caught the attention of the combat community. Let us dig in to understand the context.

Colby Covington challenges Leon Edwards’ welterweight title claim

Colby Covington has issued statements for the current welterweight champion, Leon Edwards just days before their ultimate face-off. Covington in his statement mentioned that Edwards doesn’t deserve the welterweight title and he is more worthy than Edwards for the title. “He had the right matchups at the right time to get to that point in his career,” said Covington

He further added “He just cried ‘I deserve this, I deserve that’ instead of just going out there and working for it or earning it like I did. I had to earn it the hard way. No one gave me this spot to fight for the undisputed title. I had to earn it. I had to go the unconventional way because the straight-ahead way wasn’t available. He didn’t earn it the hard way like I did, and on Dec. 16 he’s going to find out that he’s going to get broken by the American dream.”

‘Chaos’ asserted that unlike Edwards he is the rightful owner of the welterweight title. He emphasized that the Englishman got the right fight at the right time while he wasn’t privy to such a privilege. It must be noted that Covington has yet to fight in 2023 and underwent a long hiatus. Nonetheless, the American’s statement caught the attention of the combat community.

The MMA community points out the hypocrisy in Covington’s statement

As soon as Colby Covington’s statement came out, fans rallied to the internet to express their opinion. Some of the comments by the fans are as follows:-

• He beat the guy you lost to twice
• Colby should be the last person talking about someone not earning a title shot
• Hes making a joke, its all part of the character guys.
• Even Colby’s biggest, most loyal fans can’t defend him after this one
• 9 fight winning streak for a title shot vs a 2 year layoff to get a title shot
  Who worked harder?
• Colby the actor is back. I’m very surprised that Colby does not take up acting as a career.
• Bro earned it by beating Jorge Masvidal

It can be understood from the reactions from the fans that they are not amused by the American’s random shots aimed at Edwards. They added that the Englishman was on a 9-fight winning streak when he got the title shot while on the other hand, Covington only secured a win against Masvidal.

Read More: Leon Edwards Labelled Ineligible for Double Champion Opportunity Prior to UFC 296 Clash Against Colby Covington- “Only Ever Fought Kamaru Usman”

What is your opinion on Colby Covington’s statement? Who are you rooting for in their fight? Tell us about your opinion in the comments below.

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