UFC contender shares views on Colby Covington and the welterweight title picture
Colby Covington looks all but set to be next in line to compete for Leon Edwards' welterweight throne, but fans and fellow fighters believe he is underserving. Fellow 170lb contender Vicente Luque has shared his views on the title picture and insists there is someone more deserving of a shot over the controversial grappler.
'The Silent Assassin' has fallen on rough times in the octagon of late, losing back-to-back fights with his most recent coming by knockout. As he looks to push back into title contention, the South American will face his fellow countryman Rafael dos Anjos in the main event of a UFC Fight Night on August 12.
While discussing Colby Covington being the frontrunner for a shot at Leon Edwards, Vicente Luque named Belal Muhammad as a challenger who deserves a fight for gold more than the NCAA Division I wrestler, saying:
"[Should Covington be next for a title shot?] I don't think so. I don't see how it makes sense for you just to sit out, not fight, and then get a title shot. Yes, he's coming off a win and okay he's a tough guy. I think his last two losses were [to] Kamaru [Usman], so it was to the former champion but it still doesn't make sense in my mind, especially when I look at Belal. Yeah, it's not the most exciting fights, but he's winning... He's been beating tough guys, guys that are extremely dangerous in the division."
Belal Muhammad hasn't lost inside the cage in 10 outings and is seen as the rightful next contender. Although he may have to wait until Covington is given his shot, 'Remember the Name' has been promised his next bout will be for gold following his victory over Gilbert Burns.
The rumored locations for Leon Edwards vs. Colby Covington
With both fighters healthy and ready to go—despite the champion's issue with who the UFC wants as his opponent—where will the Colby Covington vs. Leon Edwards bout take place?
'Rocky' publicly stated his interest in fighting at UFC 294 in the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi on October 21, but it seems both the challenger and the promotion have different ideas.
According to recent reports, the welterweight title bout is being worked on for July, in which the UFC see it as the perfect place for Edwards' next title defense as they will be returning to London. However, 'Rocky' has demanded a more recovery time until his next fight.