“Terrible fight for Colby” – Robert Whittaker explains why Khamzat Chimaev has better chances of winning than Colby Covington

“Terrible fight for Colby” – Robert Whittaker explains why Khamzat Chimaev has better chances of winning than Colby Covington

Colby Covington (L), Robert Whittaker (C) and Khamzat Chimaev (R)

Colby Covington is a name that is always on fans’ lips – for the right reasons, and wrong. Now, Khamzat Chimaev is also on his way to becoming a polarizing figure.

If someone would have told an MMA fan a year back that the UFC welterweight division’s landscape would become interesting in the third quarter of 2022, they would have laughed it off. But, that is exactly what has happened. After current champion Leon Edwards’ defeat of Kamaru Usman in August, the division is somewhat for the taking, for the right challenger.

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Robert Whittaker talks about the potential Covington-Chimaev match-up at 7:14

Amidst all this, phenom Khamzat Chimaev and the perennial No. 1 contender Colby Covington seemingly find themselves almost confirmed to fight. Dana White’s word is just unofficial confirmation – then again, if the UFC boss promises to get a fight booked, he usually does deliver.

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Now, Robert Whittaker has had his say on who he thinks could potentially win the fight. He said, “I think that’s a terrible fight for Colby. Terrible. Because you saw with Usman that anyone Colby can’t just relentless spam takedowns on, it becomes a kickboxing fight and a striking match.”

He continued, “And I think Covington’s great at what he does, but he’s not a kickboxer, he’s not a striker by trade… Khamzat’s striking is nothing ridiculously crazy, but it’s put together at a high level.”

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This could be Colby Covington’s final chance to become welterweight champion

Colby Covington's (R) championship hopes have been dashed thus far by Kamaru Usman (L)
Colby Covington’s (R) championship hopes have been dashed thus far by Kamaru Usman (L)

For those who didn’t know, Colby Covington has already been the interim welterweight champion of the world. The problem with that is the fact that an interim champion doesn’t quite mean a unified champion, the title which has remained with Kamaru Usman for much of Covington’s time in the 170-pound division.

Colby Covington (in white T-shirt) wins the interim belt in 2018
Colby Covington (in white T-shirt) wins the interim belt in 2018

Now that Usman is no longer champion, Covington can hope to offer one last serious title challenge. If the fight against Chimaev is confirmed, and he does beat him, he will most likely get another title shot. Whether it be against Usman or Edwards, remains to be seen.

The pair will likely take on each other in March next year, and the main card will potentially feature Chimaev and Covington. Hence, the London card (according to Dana White, the UK is the preferred destination) will decide the future of the welterweight division.

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Leon Edwards vs Kamaru Usman III will most likely take place at Wembley Stadium (R)
Leon Edwards vs Kamaru Usman III will most likely take place at Wembley Stadium (R)

Colby Covington will be 35 by the time his next fight comes around – time isn’t on his side. If he still harbors championship hopes, he must first dispose of Chimaev and then try his best to dismantle the then-welterweight champion.

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