MMA News Roundup: Colby Covington makes surprise return before UFC 286, Jake Paul's coach shot in armed robbery, WWE legend sends warning to Conor McGregor
Welcome to today's edition of Sportskeeda's daily MMA News Roundup, where we present the biggest UFC updates and other stories from the world of mixed martial arts.
In today's issue, we talk about Colby Covington's return to UFC, Conor McGregor receiving a warning from a WWE legend, and more.
#3. Colby Covington is the backup fighter for UFC 286 headliner
There were rumors of Colby Covington being in London ahead of Friday's official weigh-ins. When asked about it, both Kamaru Usman and Leon Edwards said they were not aware of there being any backup fighter for their trilogy.
However, surprising media and fans alike, Colby Covington showed up completely ripped and in shape at the weigh-ins. He tipped the scale perfectly at 170 lbs and walked away without any of the usual antics.
Colby Covington weighed in as the backup fighter this AM. Everyone kept this one very much under wraps. Old school surprise. Fun stuff. Would seem to suggest he’s next, as well. https://t.co/1culfiRdDg
This is the first time 'Chaos' was seen in UFC garb since his decision win over friend-turned-foe Jorge Masvidal.
The rest of the weigh-ins went smoothly, with all the headliners and co-headliners making weight for their respective bouts. Only flyweight fighter Malcolm Gordon weighed in at 129.5 lbs, missing the limit by 3.5 lbs over the mark for his fight against Jake Hadley. He will forfeit 30% of his purse as a result.
Read the full UFC 286 weigh-in results here.
#2. Jake Paul's coach robbed at gunpoint
B.J. Flores, one of the boxing coaches of Jake Paul, was recently robbed and injured at gunpoint.
Flores took to social media to detail the situation. According to his account, he was robbed while his car was standing at a red light in Medellin, Colombia. The gunman allegedly held the weapon at his right temple, but he managed to move the attacker's hand. He still got shot in his leg, which fortunately turned out to be non-fatal.
🏻Armed robbery at Gunpoint… At a red light in Medellin Colombia on passenger side…
Pistol to my right temple,
I was able to move the weapon down and manage to only get shot in the leg one time. Hospital now waiting surgery to remove the bullet . Thank GOD I’m alive. 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻 twitter.com/i/web/status/1… https://t.co/n06LbNc2FN
Flores further explained on his Instagram story that he will be undergoing surgery for his wounds.
Jake Paul's trainer (and former Tony Bellew opponent) BJ Flores has been shot in the leg and hospitalised in an armed robbery in Colombia today…
[📽️ @BJFloresBoxing] https://t.co/gXKP3HtyAi
#1. WWE's Paul Heyman sends a message to Conor McGregor
Paul Heyman is one of the greatest talents on the microphone that the WWE has ever seen. He always goes over and above to do his part in the kayfabe, including on social media.
Conor McGregor recently appeared on Ariel Helwani's The MMA Hour show. While on the set, the Irishman posed with the iconic green-colored WWE Money in the Bank briefcase. Sharing the picture, Helwani joked that McGregor could end up in WrestleMania next.
Heyman took the opportunity to send a warning to the UFC star about the prowess of Roman Reigns, who he is currently serving as a Special Counsel.
"@TheNotoriousMMA would get SMASHED just like anyone else who dares to oppose the #TribalChief @WWERomanReigns!
.@TheNotoriousMMA would get SMASHED just like anyone else who dares to oppose the #TribalChief @WWERomanReigns! twitter.com/arielhelwani/s…