Chael Sonnen shares "a little inside scoop" on Colby Covington's game plan against Joaquin Buckley at UFC Tampa
Chael Sonnen has provided an inside scoop about Colby Covington's game plan for his upcoming fight against Joaquin Buckley. 'The Bad Guy' hinted that Covington would likely enter the fight with a few tricks up his sleeve.
Former interim UFC welterweight champion Covington is booked to face up-and-coming contender Buckley in the headlining match of UFC Tampa this Saturday, Dec. 14, 2024. During an ESPN MMA interview, host Megan Olivi asked 'Chaos' and Sonnen about their new partnership.
Sonnen suggested that it was a long time in the making, adding that he'd always wanted to be a part of Covington's camp. Apparently, he'd finally gotten the call to fill a spot in his team, which he did. They also alluded to having known one another for many years.
Colby Covington harked back to when Sonnen, who's a fellow amateur wrestling savant, recruited him from the Oregon State Wrestling realm to serve as a training partner for his MMA camps. Emphasizing that it was his introduction to MMA, Covington even lightheartedly recounted enduring training beatdowns at the hands of the former UFC star and retired MMA fighter back in the day.
Olivi hailed Colby Covington's and Chael Sonnen's wrestling pedigrees and questioned what they feel Covington needs to do with his wrestling and the threat of his wrestling against Buckley. Sonnen responded by indicating that they'd focused on a few tricks in the stand-up department against 'New Mansa.' 'The Bad Guy' stated:
"I love that you used that word. We've actually talked about that in camp, about the threat of the wrestling. And a large part of the camp did have to do with the hands. And Buckley is one of these guys where he will give you openings. He's got to be crowding you. He doesn't do as great of a job backing up. He will throw a kick. We feel that he exposes himself."
"So there's a couple of things we're looking for. But, in fairness, we're looking for some tricks on the feet more than on the ground. There's a little inside scoop for you."
Olivi alluded to Colby Covington having brought about a few changes in his team. Covington then asserted that his new team is centered around Sonnen who's helped as his head coach. 'Chaos' underscored that they haven't forgotten their wrestling roots and would use the same to also set up strikes and put Buckley's lights out.
Check out Sonnen's comments below (1:03):
Chael Sonnen cut a promo for Colby Covington before UFC Tampa fight against Joaquin Buckley
The consensus is that the winner of the Colby Covington vs. Joaquin Buckley showdown is likely to receive a significant boost in their quest to capture the UFC welterweight championship. Chael Sonnen, who's known to be an exceptional orator right from his fighting days, notably cut a promo hyping up Covington during the UFC Tampa ceremonial weigh-ins.
Covington referred to Sonnen as his "head coach" and noted that his role model would be speaking on his behalf. Sonnen took to the microphone and encouraged the audience to tune in, saying:
"I came to tell you when you're the greatest fighter in the world today, they got a name for you. They don't call you a great fighter. They call you 'Chaos' Covington."
Watch the promo segment below: