Colby Covington has various options for his upcoming fight, but he has a clear priority. Covington (17-4 MMA, 12-4 UFC) recently suffered a unanimous decision defeat against welterweight champion Leon Edwards at UFC 296 in December, failing to secure the undisputed title for the third time.
Ian Machado Garry (13-0 MMA, 6-0 UFC), who is scheduled to face Geoff Neal at UFC 298 on Feb. 17, has included Covington in his hit list for 2024. If the UFC offers Covington the opportunity to fight Garry, he will gladly accept.
“After Neal’s fight, if he manages to defeat Neal and the UFC considers it to be the most significant and lucrative fight in the welterweight division, then let’s make it happen,” Covington stated in an interview with Submission Radio. “The UFC is well aware of what Colby ‘Chaos’ Covington stands for. Colby Covington Incorporated has never declined a fight.”
“I have faced the greatest pound-for-pound fighters and champions. I have been a champion myself. I am the current welterweight champion and the best fighter in the world at this weight class. These are not mere opinions. These are facts. I have experienced it firsthand. I know my capabilities, and I know I am the best in the world right now.”
Covington believes that Stephen Thompson (17-7-1 MMA, 12-7-1 UFC) would be the most suitable opponent for his next fight. However, he is also open to the idea of facing Gilbert Burns (22-6 MMA, 15-6 UFC), who is set to fight Jack Della Maddalena at UFC 299 on March 9.
“I will accept whatever the UFC deems necessary,” Covington expressed. “There are numerous options available. We have Gilbert coming up, who Conor referred to as a ‘fat lesbian.’ He will be fighting that other guy whose name escapes me at the moment. If Gilbert emerges victorious, then that fight becomes a possibility.”
“I believe ‘Wonderboy’ is the most logical choice. It would be the ultimate clash between the nice guy and the bad guy. He appeared on the show, Submission Radio, and made several remarks about me. He claimed that I would be knocked out, that he would knock me out. He is currently ranked No. 6 in the world, while I hold the No. 5 spot. That fight makes the most sense.”