Colby Covington accuses Belal Muhammad of racism after alleged commentary on him getting title fight due to skin color
Colby Covington's return to the mixed martial arts world has not come without controversy. After a hiatus that lasted over a year, 'Chaos' weighed in as the backup fighter for UFC 286. Following the bout, UFC President Dana White claimed he would be the next challenger for the welterweight title, drawing plenty of complaints from fans and fighters alike. Belal Muhammad allegedly suggested that Covington's skin color may be the reason for that, leading the latter to label him a racist.
Speaking with Mike Heck of MMA Fighting, the No.2-ranked welterweight stated:
"Belal Muhammad, oh, let's talk about Belal Muhammad. You're talking about the racist, right? You're not talking Belal. You're talking the racist. That guy is so beyond racist. Everything he does is racist. The guy is a freaking joke. He's saying I'm in this position because of my skin color, because I'm white? That's clear racism."
Colby Covington continued:
"I announced that the UFC and ESPN need to cut him from the panel. They can't have a racist on their show, and you know who's hanging out with and associating with that racist? Jon Anik. Jon Anik supports that racism so it's a freaking joke, and Jon Anik is supposed to be impartial."
Check out Colby Covington's comments on Belal Muhammad below (starting at the 7:37 mark):
Covington added that Belal Muhammad has not earned the right to fight for the title. He claimed that the UFC is a business and not a sport and that he is a bigger draw than the No.4-ranked welterweight. He added that 'Remember the Name' needs to become a star in order to receive title fights.
Colby Covington's return: 'Chaos' issues a warning to Leon Edwards
UFC President Dana White has suggested that Colby Covington will fight for the title in his return to the octagon. Welterweight champion Leon Edwards suggested that he will not sign the contract due to the No.2-ranked welterweight's inactivity. 'Chaos' responded by issuing a warning to 'Rocky', stating:
"There's a saying that goes on, Leon, and shut your fumbling mouth, open your freaking stupid ears and listen to the advice I give because it's the only advice I'm going to give to you Leon. You don't cross your boss and you will learn the hard way. Remember that Leon. That's the only advice I'm giving you. You don't cross your boss."
Check out Colby Covington's full warning to Leon Edwards below (starting at the 10:00 mark):
Despite being called out by the four fighters directly underneath him in the rankings, Covington has not fought in over a year. It remains to be seen if Edwards will actually refuse to sign the contract, however, 'Chaos' suggested he could be stripped of the title if he does.