UFC welterweight contender Colby Covington has suggested that Leon Edwards blew his chance at a title shot with his performance at UFC 263.
Despite extending his unbeaten streak in the promotion to 10 fights with a victory over Nate Diaz in June, Edwards seemingly remains behind Covington in the 170-pound pecking order.
Although he dominated the Stockton native for the majority of their 25-minute bout, a late surge from Diaz certainly dampened the Englishman’s win and perhaps cast enough doubt about his title credentials in the mind of the UFC president to delay his rematch with Kamaru Usman.
Despite many being under the impression that Covington was next in line for a shot at Usman’s title before Edwards’ last fight, “Chaos” has revealed information that seems to suggest otherwise.
While speaking with James Lynch for Combat Sports on Fanatics View, the former title challenger revealed the moment Dana White confirmed his position as number one contender to him.
“Right after the Leon fight with Nate Diaz, he called me right away. He said, ‘Yep, we’re doing you and Marty next. We’re gonna try to get it done in the next couple months.”
Covington’s words appear to confirm that “Rocky” had the opportunity to secure his own championship shot in his five-round bout with Diaz at last month’s PPV. Given that the UFC president was quick to confirm the 170-pound title plan following the Arizona-held event, Covington’s revelation makes sense.
Covington had his first crack at “The Nigerian Nightmare” back at UFC 245 in 2019. After a hard-fought four rounds, “Chaos” succumbed to Usman’s power with less than a minute of the fight remaining. Given the ease at which the champ has defeated every challenger since, many believe Covington is the most likely man to hand Usman his first defeat in the UFC.
Despite stating his intention to sit out and await the title opportunity that many feel he deserves, Edwards will undoubtedly face pressure to enter the Octagon against either Gilbert Burns or Jorge Masvidal in the coming months.
Do you think Leon Edwards should receive a title shot ahead of Colby Covington?
