Colby Covington: Khabib’s Game Won’t Fly at Welterweight

Colby Covington doesn’t believe Khabib Nurmagomedov can find success at welterweight.

Nurmagomedov won the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) lightweight title earlier this month. He defeated Al Iaquinta in a dominant performance in the main event of UFC 223. The win improved Nurmagomedov’s professional mixed martial arts record to 26-0.

While “The Eagle” hasn’t lost a round under the UFC banner, not everyone is impressed. UFC color commentator Joe Rogan called Nurmagomedov’s stand-up amateurish throughout the fight. Some even criticized Nurmagomedov for not being able to take down Iaquinta at will later on in the fight.

Count Covington as one who isn’t impressed. During a recent appearance on MMA Junkie Radio, “Chaos” warned “The Eagle” to stay at 155 pounds:

“I think it works for the little lightweight division, but that (expletive) doesn’t fly at welterweight. You’ve got a real All-American wrestler, not some sambo dude, so if he comes up to welterweight, he’s going to get his head dunked and balls put on his forehead just like the rest of them. I don’t think he’s that impressive. He couldn’t even finish a real estate agent. That’s (expletive) sad.”

Covington has his sights set on championship gold. On June 9, Covington will take on Rafael dos Anjos for the interim UFC welterweight title. The bout will serve as UFC 225’s co-main event.

Nurmagomedov’s first title defense will likely revolve around Conor McGregor’s status. The “Notorious” one would be the obvious choice if it weren’t for his legal issues following the UFC 223 media day debacle. If he can’t be ready to go by the end of the year, Eddie Alvarez, Dustin Poirier, and Kevin Lee are all available while Tony Ferguson heals from his knee surgery. Many have speculated that Nurmagomedov’s first title defense will take place in November at a Madison Square Garden event.

Do you think Colby Covington has a point on Khabib Nurmagomedov’s chances at welterweight?

Related News

Top Stories

UFC Store

Manel Kape Gets New Opponent For UFC Fight Night Main Event After Brandon Royval’s Withdrawal

Manel Kape finds himself facing a new challenger for his UFC Fight Night main...

Sean Strickland Dismisses Staph Infection Speculation Ahead Of UFC 312 Headliner

Ahead of his middleweight title rematch against Dricus Du Plessis at UFC 312 this...

Daniel Cormier Warns Islam Makhachev Against Potential Middleweight Move

Daniel Cormier has cautioned UFC lightweight kingpin Islam Makhachev against a potential move to...

UFC Analyst: Everyone Falls Off, Israel Adesanya Is No Different

Din Thomas isn’t surprised to see Israel Adesanya on a losing skid at this...

UFC Schedule Continues To Take Hits As Dominick Cruz Reportedly Pulls Out Of Seattle Co-Headliner

The blows keep on coming for the UFC in 2025. After losing its first pay-per-view...

Manel Kape Pitches Replacement After Losing UFC Fight Night Main Event Opponent

UFC flyweight contender Manel Kape is wasting little time searching for a new foe...

Dricus Du Plessis Backs Israel Adesanya’s Firm Take On His Legacy Amid UFC Losing Skid

UFC Middleweight Champion Dricus Du Plessis recently assessed former rival Israel Adesanya's legacy following...

Ilia Topuria Explains Why He Prefers Islam Makhachev Superfight Over UFC Title Defense

Ilia Topuria is eager to secure a fight with UFC Lightweight Champion Islam Makhachev,...

‘No Way Bro Stopped Ducking Big Tom’ – Fans React As Jon Jones Teases ‘Huge Announcement’ In 24 Hours

UFC Heavyweight Champion Jon Jones has caused a stir, as speculation about his future...