Colby Covington is all set to make his long-awaited return to the Octagon. Taking on welterweight champ Leon Edwards at UFC 296, Covington has his work cut out for him. However, it appears as though he already has his eyes set on who he wants to make his first title defense against.
Recently, Colby revealed that Leon had been stalling their fight. Following a long standoff with the UFC, the Jamaican-English fighter has seemingly accepted to fight Covington. Having bested his long-time bitter rival Jorge Masvidal at UFC 272, Colby made a strong case for himself to be the next contender.
Speaking to James Lynch, Colby revealed who he wants as his first title defense. “I’m talking about Islam Makhachev, he’s fighting the little man’s weight class”. Further, ‘Chaos’ adds, “He’s been saying some things he wants to come up to a real man’s Division and face a real man in America’s champ so that might present itself as well I think that’s a big super fight”.
Interestingly, Colby has previously slammed Islam for trying to hijack his fight with Edwards. Sensing that he might be ‘afraid’ to rematch Charles Oliveira, Islam chose to call out Leon instead. While many, including Colby himself, felt as though it was more Ali Abdelaziz’s idea, it is a challenge he openly welcomes.
With that said, in order for a fight to materialize, Islam Makhachev will first have to dispatch Charles Oliveira at UFC 294 next month.
Fans react to a potential Colby Covington vs. Islam Makhachev fight
Although it certainly piqued the interest of many, this is not the first time a potential Colby vs. Islam fight has been discussed. Previously, Colby spoke to MMA Fighting about his interest in wanting to welcome Islam to the ‘big leagues’.
Interestingly, the former interim champ also trained Adriano Martins, who knocked out Islam during his early days in the UFC. Thus, it is a more feasible possibility than what many originally expected.
🚨| Colby Covington has told @LynchOnSports that if both him and Islam Makhachev win their next fights he would like to turn around in February or March and fight Makhachev in his first welterweight title defence.#UFC296 #UFC #MMA pic.twitter.com/ASvgi1jJwf
— MMA Orbit (@mma_orbit) September 21, 2023
Naturally, fans immediately took to social media to share their thoughts on the matchup. As such, one fan wrote, “Islam is better pretty much everywhere, Colby has the slight edge in cardio but Islam clears everywhere else”. Another user wrote, “I’d like to see that. Can’t really remember Colby fighting a top contender with wrestling. Usman aside”.
Bratha Islam will win easy bratha please don’t do this to yourself Colby
— GamaFlight (@gamaflight) September 21, 2023
Further, another fan wrote, “I’d like to see that. Have Islam move up in weight and see if his strength translates”. One fan even warned Covington stating, “Bratha Islam will win easy bratha please don’t do this to yourself Colby”. According to Colby, the matchup would be a massive one, especially considering the USA vs. Russia theme.
For the most part, he is incredibly confident in his chances against Islam Makhachev. Despite his lofty aspirations, Colby will have to beat Leon Edwards first. Should he accomplish that goal, would you like to see him take on Islam next? Leave your thoughts in the comments below.
