Colby Covington rubbishes ducking rumors; claims UFC wanted undefeated vs. undefeated bout instead
Colby Covington quashes rumors alleging ducking accusation against him, calls for UFC brass to verify his claim.
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Colby Covington debunks rumors alleging ducking contenders (Images via Imago)
Welterweight landscape of UFC is nothing short of a grueling shark tank of top contenders in 2024. From young hungry lions itching to touch gold to old guards hoping to keep their spot. The 170lbs category is still one of the promotion’s most exciting offerings, featuring fighters like Colby Covington, Ian Garry, Belal Muhammad, Shavkat Rakhmonov and more. The final card of the 2024 is set to take place in Tampa featuring a marquee welterweight clash.
Dana White intends to close out the year in style, pitting surging contender Joaquin Buckley against veteran Colby Covington. UFC 310’s stars Garry and Shavkat Rakhmonov alleged that Covington turned down fights against them. Now addressing those concerning rumors, ‘Chaos’ has offered his side of the take ahead of his return. Speaking with CBS Sports’ Shakiel Mahjouri, Covington debunked ducking rumors.
That’s fake news, that’s complete lie. You can ask Dana White, you can ask Hunter Campbell, those guys have said numerous times that Colby does not turn down a fights. I accepted to fight Shavkat, I wanted to fight him on short notice. They didn’t want to go that direction.
Colby Covington via Exclusive Interview for Shak MMA
Now firing back at his naysayers, ‘Chaos’ made it quite clear that he never ducks anyone. More on that, Covington still believes he can vie for a title after beating Joaquin Buckely. ‘Chaos’ has tried on three separate occasions to clinch world title, but fell short each time. Now with Belal Muhmmad’s rise as the champion, the title picture has certainly changed.
Buckley is riding a 5 fight win streak off the backs of powerful showing against Stephen ‘Wonderboy’ Thompson. ‘New Mansa’ seems to have found a second wind ever since turning to welterweight class in 2023. Buckley might probably be just one win away from challenging for world title, and reacting to last weekend’s PPV card, he dubbed the welterweight fight boring.
Colby Covington believes UFC 310 exposed Ian Garry and Shavkat Rakhmonov
The UFC 310 PPV featured the undefeated vs undefeated clash between top ranked contenders. Both Ian Garry and Shavkat Rakhmonov put their unbeaten streak on the line in order to gain the next title shot. However, the fight didn’t exactly go as most would have thought and number 6th ranked contender, Covington was especially not impressed.
The former interim champion expressed his interest in taking on both men in the future. Moreover, he also broke down final PPV of the year, calling the co-main event a bad night for both. ‘Chaos’ seems certain about the new crop of fighters not being ready to replace the old guard.
Those Garry and Shavkat, they got exposed. There’s a lot of hype around those guys they didn’t prove it last week. Neither one of them, so I don’t see anything spectacular. I see guys I am ready to end their and show the world they are not ready to change the guard yet.
Colby Covington told Shak MMA
At this stage of his career Covington, still seems quite confident to get back into the title picture. Covington has been trading wins and losses in his past 5 fights. A loss here would mark first time in his career where he would have lost back-to-back bouts. For Covington this weekend carries great importance to remain in the welterweight title conversation, while Buckley will be looking to topple the old crop of fighters.
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