It won’t be wrong to say that it’s quite established that Colby Covington is playing a gimmick to stay relevant in the UFC. While one cannot deny the skillset that he brings inside the Octagon, his antics in the lead-up to the fight, and his trash-talking skills on the microphone are something to behold.
Covington doesn’t mind crossing the line and getting personal with his opponents. Over the years, he has used every other way to instigate his opponents, also coming up with hilarious nicknames for other fighters. Be that as it may, in a rare sight, Colby Covington broke the character, as he embraced fellow strawweight title challenger Zhang Weili in a heartwarming moment for fight fans around the world.
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Ahead of the star-studded UFC 268 which features the likes of Kamaru Usman, Colby Covington, Michael Chandler, Justin Gaethje, Rose Namajunas, among others, Weili was asked how she was feeling sitting right next to arguably one of the most controversial fighters in the UFC, Colby Covington.
Unable to understand what the question was, and even before the translator could tell Zhang Weili, Colby Covington smiled as he embraced Zhang Weili in what was a wholesome moment for the entire MMA community.
It’s not always that Colby Covington breaks character to show love and compassion for fellow fighters. However, during the pre-fight press conference for UFC 268, Covington did just that as he hugged Zhang Weili, who later opined she feels “safe & secure” between both the men. Sitting on her left was former lightweight title challenger Michael Chandler, who also took the time to embrace Zhang Weili.
UFC 268 pre-fight press conference: Colby Covington slams Kamaru Usman, Michael Chandler promises to put Justin Gaethje away in the first round
UFC 268 press conference was as entertaining as advertised. Colby Covington took several shots at Kamaru Usman and vowed to become the new UFC welterweight champion. On the other side, Michael Chandler sent out a warning to Justin Gaethje and promised to get the job done in one round.
Rose Namajunas and Zhang Weili, despite their differences, did not try to downplay each other, with Weili looking more confident than ever in his second title opportunity after losing the belt against Namajunas earlier this year. Who do you think gets their hands raised this weekend inside Madison Square Garden? Do let us know in the comments section.