Colby Covington of the US speaks to reporters during the UFC Fight Night media event in Singapore on June 15, 2017. / AFP PHOTO / Roslan RAHMAN (Photo credit should read ROSLAN RAHMAN/AFP via Getty Images)
Colby Covington Open to Granting Conor McGregor Title Shot if he Upsets Leon Edwards
In a surprising turn of events, Colby Covington, the former welterweight title challenger, expressed his willingness to grant Conor McGregor a shot at the title if he manages to dethrone Leon Edwards. Covington himself is expected to challenge Edwards for the welterweight championship later this year, while McGregor is slated to face off against Michael Chandler in a highly anticipated bout.
Covington, known for his controversial persona, expressed his admiration for McGregor’s impact on the sport of MMA during an appearance on the MSCS MEDIA podcast.
He praised McGregor’s historical achievements, such as his 13-second knockout of Jose Aldo, calling it one of the most incredible moments in UFC history. Covington also acknowledged McGregor’s role as a showman and a savvy businessman, recognizing the doors he has opened for fighters in terms of financial opportunities.
“I love what Conor’s done,” Covington said. “I hope to be able to cross paths with him and fight him someday after I win this world title against Leon ‘Edward Scissorhands Scott’ from the U.K. That could be my next fight in line. I have nothing but respect and admiration for Conor and what he’s done in this sport.”
The potential matchup between Covington and McGregor would undoubtedly generate significant interest among fans, as both fighters possess immense drawing power. Covington’s comments highlight his willingness to engage in high-profile bouts that capture the imagination of fight enthusiasts worldwide.
However, before McGregor can even contemplate a title shot, he must first rejoin the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) drug testing program. In a statement obtained by MMA Junkie, USADA confirmed that McGregor is expected to begin immediate testing in order to comply with the program’s regulations.
While McGregor’s return to the octagon and Covington’s title aspirations are still contingent on various factors, including the outcomes of their respective fights, the possibility of a future showdown between the two charismatic fighters adds an extra layer of excitement to the welterweight division.
As fans eagerly await the unfolding of these events, the potential clash between Covington and McGregor remains an enticing proposition that could shape the landscape of the UFC’s welterweight division.
Conor McGregor has welcomed a celebrity boxing match against Mark Coleman, the 58-year-old UFC legend. In 1997, Coleman became the inaugural UFC heavyweight champion by tapping out fellow legend Dan Severn. Coleman was one of the first wrestlers to attain success in the cage, earning him the nickname ‘The Godfather of Ground and Pound’ in mixed martial arts history.
The 58-year-old is now scheduled to return to the ring in October after signing a contract with Celebrity Boxing. McGregor’s now-deleted tweet in response to the news stated, “Challenge accepted!” McGregor, a former UFC champion at two weight classes, appeared to welcome the notion of facing Coleman in a boxing match.
Coleman saw McGregor’s tweet before it was purged, as evidenced by an Instagram video in which he said:
“Hey Conor McGregor I’m a big fan. Thank you for calling me out! It has to be in boxing because I would smash you in MMA you know that. Boxing you are probably going to lose a decision, but I want a red panty night.”
McGregor, having recently coached against his UFC adversary on The Ultimate Fighter, is getting ready for a battle of his own against Michael Chandler later this year. The fight has not yet been officially scheduled, but it will most likely occur at either UFC 295 in November or UFC 296 in December.
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