Colby Covington hopes to fight Conor McGregor right before Donald Trump takes "back the office" in 2024
UFC president Dana White announced that Colby Covington's return to the octagon will likely come in a welterweight title bout. 'Chaos' recently shared that he is looking to face Conor McGregor in his first title defense after winning the title later this year.
Covington was the back-up fighter for this past weekend's 170-pound title clash between Leon Edwards and Kamaru Usman. Dana White confirmed at the post-fight presser that the former interim champion is next in line for the championship and will take on Edwards next.
Covington sees himself beating Edwards and defending his title against the biggest star in the sport. Speaking to Mike Heck of MMA Fighting, the No.2-ranked welterweight said:
"Everybody knows who the best fighter in the world is, the undisputed champ. That's me. It's Colby 'Chaos' Covington. It's a beautiful thing. I'm truly blessed to be in this position and to collide with Conor, it would be the biggest title fight in the history of the company."
He added:
"We're talking two million pay-per-view buys plus. It would be catastrophic. It would be incredible. It would be the biggest business the UFC could ever do and especially it's beautiful timing. Right before Donald Trump is going to take back the office in 2024. Right before the campaign trail so the timing of life is working out perfect and this is God's plan."
Catch Colby Covington's comments on facing Conor McGregor below (23:30):
Conor McGregor notably shared that he is looking to fight for the welterweight title after facing Michael Chandler in his return bout. The pair are set to coach opposing sides in season 31 of The Ultimate Fighter before clashing in the octagon.
Colby Covington's return: Leon Edwards says 'Chaos' is undeserving of a title fight
Leon Edwards, who defended the title for the first time at UFC 286, recently shared that he doesn't believe Colby Covington is deserving of a title shot. Citing "Dana White privilege," Edwards recently claimed that Covington's inactivity doesn't warrant a shot at the belt.
Speaking to Ariel Helwani on The MMA Hour, 'Rocky' said:
"I definitely have a say and he ain't getting the title shot next fight... He's getting rewarded for not taking the [Khamzat Chimaev] fight. When it was me, I got removed from the rankings. The Dana White privilege is definitely real."
Catch Leon Edwards' comments on Colby Covington below:
Edwards suggested that he may refuse to sign a contract if he's offered Covington, whose last appearance came against No.11-ranked Jorge Masvidal over a year ago.