Colby Covington weighs in UC 286 (MMA Crazy)
Colby Covington Slams Jon Jones as the GOAT, Demands ‘Clean-Cut Athlete’ Title
Colby Covington, known for his outspoken personality and controversial remarks, has made it clear that he cannot support Jon Jones as the greatest fighter of all time. Covington, who was once roommates with Jones during their wrestling days at Iowa Central Community College, has turned sour on his old friend due to a perceived lack of integrity and character outside the cage.
While Jones’ accomplishments inside the Octagon are undeniable, with his recent capture of the UFC heavyweight title solidifying his status as one of the sport’s greats, Covington believes that being a clean-cut athlete is essential to achieving the GOAT status. Jones’ history of troubles outside the cage, including PED controversies and legal issues, has overshadowed his talent and caused Covington to question his claim to greatness.
In an interview with MSCS Media, Covington expressed his skepticism about Jones’ status as the GOAT, stating, “That’s opinion-based. That’s whoever’s opinion that was writing that from ESPN that day. That’s cool, that’s your opinion, but there’s probably 20, 30, 40 million people in America that don’t think the opposite. People in the Republican party respect people that are blue-collar, that have a clean slate, that aren’t breaking the law, doing these violent acts.”
Covington further emphasized his point by highlighting Jones’ multiple failed steroid tests and legal troubles, stating, “Everybody knows the multiple steroid tests that he failed, so how can you call yourself a clean-cut athlete and the greatest of all time when you cheated on multiple steroid tests and broke many laws? For me, the greatest fighter of all time has to be a good fighter in the cage and outside the cage.”
Despite his criticism of Jones, Covington himself has been no stranger to controversy. Known for his polarizing political views and provocative statements, he has managed to stand out in the UFC’s welterweight division. Covington’s pursuit of a UFC title continues, with a potential matchup against Leon Edwards on the horizon.
Interestingly, while Covington criticized Jones for his off-cage behavior, he pointed to another fighter, Chael Sonnen, as someone he considers to be among the greatest. Covington praised Sonnen for his ability to transcend the sport, his family values, and his support for causes aligned with the Republican party.
As the debate over the greatest fighter of all time rages on, Covington’s remarks add another layer of controversy and intrigue to the ongoing discussion. While opinions may differ, one thing is clear: the debate is far from settled, and fighters like Covington are not afraid to share their candid views on the matter.
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.
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