"They didn't like that I wasn't entertaining" - When Colby Covington first admitted adopting a heel turn to save his UFC career

Top welterweight contender Colby Covington [Image Credit: @colbycovmma on Instagram]

Colby Covington was once a mild-mannered UFC fighter who went into fights without much to say. In 2017, however, 'Chaos' began talking a serious amount of trash. Many in the MMA community may be unaware of the predicament that led to the creation of the former interim champion's villainous persona.

During an appearance on The Candace Owens Show, Covington explained the origins of his act:

"I never told this story before, but three fights ago, before I fought the number two guy in the world. This guy named Demian Maia, in Brazil. They had told my manager, Dan Lambert, that they weren't going to re-sign me. They didn't like my style. They didn't like that I wasn't entertaining, and this was before I really started to become an entertainer and understand the entertainment aspect of this business."

Watch the full interview between Colby Covington and Candace Owens below:

Covington's shtick has often painted him as the bad guy to his peers. This villain persona has led him to be at odds with many prominent fighters, including UFC welterweight champion Kamaru Usman.

'The Nigerian Nightmare' and Covington's feud produced two spectacular bouts that will go down in UFC history as some of the greatest fights ever. Usman has come out on top in both of their encounters, but the Nigerian gave Colby Covington his due respect for being a great fighter.

Colby Covington believes a fight with Jorge Masvidal is his “most logical” next step

Colby Covington is coming off a loss against his rival, welterweight champion Kamaru Usman. After his bout at UFC 268, the No.1 contender was quick to call out his next opponent, Jorge Masvidal.

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In his post-fight interview, 'Chaos' told reporters that his next logical step would be to settle the beef between him and Masivdal. The friends-turned-enemies have been feuding for over 3 years.

Colby Covington believed that Jorge Masvidal was jealous of the success generated by his act. Masvidal, meanwhile, has maintained that Covington was growing unpopular at American Top Team, going as far to mention that 'Chaos' did not pay one of the coaches at ATT.

Both fighters have challenged Kamaru Usman twice for his title but the former teammates have yet to fight each other in the octagon.

The fight between the two has been anticipated for more than a year and a half now. When or if the fight happens, fans can expect a hellacious build-up for the bout.

Dana White: Colby Covington vs. Jorge Masvidal ‘the fight that makes sense’ (@MMAFightingSM) mmafighting.com/2020/9/27/2145… https://t.co/EPeuTyNxcH

Masvidal was scheduled to fight Leon Edwards at UFC 269, but withdrew due to injury. 'Chaos' has no set fight after his loss to the champion, but he has his sights set on coaching The Ultimate Fighter.