There’s been a lot of buzz about the upcoming welterweight title fight between Colby Covington and Leon Edwards. While Edwards has expressed that he does not believe Covington has earned a title shot, UFC president Dana White has insisted that Covington will be the next in line for the title. However, the fight has yet to be officially announced, leaving fans wondering who will have the final say.
Covington recently spoke to Submission Radio and made it clear that he believes Edwards will have no choice but to accept the fight. As far as Covington is concerned, once someone becomes champion, they must fight the next contender in line, regardless of their personal opinions. He also criticized Edwards for allegedly trying to pick and choose easy fights, claiming that Edwards had been eager to fight Jorge Masvidal instead.
“When you become the champion of this company, like I’ve done, you fight the next contender in line. You’re a placeholder now, you’re not a real champion. A real champion would face every contender. The fact that you’re trying to pick and choose easy fights…yeah, I know you wanted to fight street Judas Masvidal so bad. Don’t worry, after I beat you, you can fight Jorge on the prelims. I’m not surprised…he knows I’m the hardest match-up he’s ever gonna have, and he knows I’m coming to take everything he worked for.
I was with Dana White, UFC, Hunter Campbell, and all of those guys…I took them out in Miami because I’m the king of Miami, and I had to show them proper hospitality. If he doesn’t wanna fight, I’ve already been assured that that’s okay, they’ll just strip him, and I’m next in line. Dana has assured me I’m fighting him this summer.”
Covington also hinted that if Edwards refuses to fight him, the UFC would strip him of his title. During a meeting with UFC officials in Miami, Covington was reportedly told that he would be next in line for the title, even if Edwards chooses not to fight him. According to Covington, Dana White has already assured him that the fight will take place this summer.
With both fighters confident in their abilities, it remains to be seen who will ultimately come out on top in this highly anticipated showdown.
