SUMMARY
- Colby Covington suffered a recent defeat at the hands of Leon Edwards at UFC 296.
- Joe Rogan talked about Covington on his recent podcast.
Colby Covington, an American MMA athlete, competes in the UFC Welterweight division and is a former Interim UFC Welterweight Champion, presently ranked #5. In his recent bout at UFC 296 on December 17, 2023, Covington suffered a defeat against Leon Edwards, marking a 2-3 record in the last four years.
Despite wins over declining fighters Woodley and Masvidal, a championship comeback in his late 30s seems unlikely. Amid all this, Joe Rogan, famous American Podcaster and UFC commentator recently put forth his thoughts on the same matter in his “JRE Podcast”.
In the JRE MMA Show episode, #152 featuring Sean Brady, currently #7 ranked welterweight in the UFC, Joe stated, “It’s gonna be interesting what happens with him (Colby) now after that fight because it’s obvious that you can’t give him another title shot”.
“It’s not like he can go right back in”, Joe continued, further adding, “He absolutely could earn another title shot in the future with a bunch of wins, it’s still possible.” “But what is the path?… Who do they match him up with?”, Rogan further questioned.
Sean Brady who himself is looking for his future opponent following his submission victory against Kelvin Gastelum on December 2, 2023, replied, “He (Colby) is calling out Wonderboy and I’m like no, like come on”.
Sean Brady seems to fancy a fight against Covington, as Brady went on to say, “Like you’re one of the best grapplers in the division, I’m one of the best like let’s me and you do it and let’s see who wins. You know we’re right next to each other in the rankings like that’s what I want.”
Brady vs Covington could shape up to be an exciting matchup. But UFC fans might have to wait before either the fighter or the promotion make anything official.
3 opponents Colby Covington could fight next besides Sean Brady
Following his recent decision loss to Leon Edwards, Colby Covington is already eyeing his next opponents.
3. Stephen “Wonderboy” Thompson
One potential matchup is against long-serving welterweight Stephen Thompson, whom Covington called out after UFC 296, stating, “I’m gonna focus on what’s next,” Covington said at the UFC 296 post-fight press conference.
Colby further added, “There’s a guy that’s been talking a lot of s–t to me in the media, Stephen ‘Wonderboy’ Thompson. Everybody thinks he’s a nice guy. He’s had a lot to say about me, so I’d love to see him say that to me in the cage, in the Octagon.”
With both fighters coming off losses, the timing seems perfect for a high-stakes encounter. One that could provide an interesting style clash between Covington’s wrestling prowess and Thompson’s striking skills.
2. Ian “Machado” Garry
Another potential opponent on Covington’s radar is the undefeated welterweight contender, Ian Garry. Covington expressed interest in settling differences in the Octagon with the Irishman, who has been making waves with impressive victories, including wins over Daniel Rodriguez and Neil Magny.
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While Garry faces Geoff Neal at UFC 298, a victory could position him for a showdown with Covington, making for a competitive matchup considering Covington’s recent performance.
1. Dustin “The Diamond” Poirier
Colby Covington might also consider a move down to lightweight for a showdown with former training partner Dustin Poirier. Despite their past professional relationship at American Top Team, the two fell out due to Covington’s trash-talking antics.
With Poirier set to face Benoit Saint-Denis at UFC 299, a matchup with Covington makes sense for both fighters. Especially considering Poirier’s recent setbacks that have kept him out of the lightweight title picture.
Whom do you think should Colby Covington fight next? Can he revive his career? Let us know in the comments below.
