LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - MARCH 05: Colby Covington looks on before his welterweight fight against Jorge Masvidal during UFC 272 at T-Mobile Arena on March 05, 2022 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by David Becker/Getty Images)
All Star Training Centre’s coach Andreas Michael has sighted Colby Covington as the next target for his pupil Khamzat Chimaev
Leading up to UFC 273 UFC president Dana White had suggested that the welterweight bout between Khamzat Chimaev and Gilbert Burns will determine the next title contender at 170 lbs. However during UFC London, White had pledged that Leon Edwards is the next in line for the title, and the UFC head honcho has other plans for Chimaev should he win at UFC 273.
Leading up to UFC 273, Dana White spoke to TMZ Sports, and suggested a potential match for Chimaev post-UFC 273. He said, “In a perfect world, you know, I have a fight coming up on ABC. If Khamzat Chimaev should win, I would love to do a fight with him and Colby.” And to his delight Chimaev did pass the test, and this sets the stage for a fight between them.
Khamzat Chimaev was worked up with the contemplation of the idea and welcomed it with open arms. He even posted a fan poster with the caption, ‘Let’s goooo ’
Reacting to the speculation and speaking his mind on the case on the MMA Hour with Ariel Helwani, Chimaev’s head coach Andreas Michael said, ‘ I would like to see Khamzat fight Colby. We are after fighting the best, so Colby’s the next step up’
At UFC 273, Chimaev got off to a good start, utilizing his wrestling skills and size advantage, and dropped Burns towards the end of the round. The Chechen detailed in the post-fight interview that he got too comfortable and obsessed to knock out Burns, which led to him losing the second round.
Later after the fight, he posted a picture of his student the fight detailing what advice he gave him. He said,
“People ask me what I told Khamza end of round 2 this is what I told him ”stop brawling stop having a street fight use your straight punches and keep it easy, this is an easy fight if you don’t brawl all you have to do is keep him on your jab and have patience. Don’t make it harder than it has to be
Nothing else was needed just a fast jab and sometimes a straight right keeping your distance reach, to not get hit with the hooks. That’s what I demanded from him. I told him to stop giving everyone a show and just keep it boring and simple. To not force anything just be fast and light on his feet. This was the game plan all along. Easier than Wrestling and Easier than Grappling. In flashes we saw that. Gilbert with all respect is a tough gritty Brave warrior. All the love and respect to him. These guys gave a show to the public. But as a coach I don’t care about the public I care about the easiest way to the WIN with the minimum damage. That’s my number one job to protect the fighter.”
He also criticized fans who believe that the fame has been deflated, and want people to give his pupil more credit for standing toe-to-toe with the best in the division in such a short tenure. He said, ‘
Everyone talks about the hype train is over? How many fighters in the beginning of their careers not even against top-ranked opponents had absolute lack lustred performances in their career. Shall I rack Them up? Champions legends list goes on. This means nothing! A famous basketball player told me once it’s hard winning damn hard! My opinion about this is that Khamza was 40% last night cause he went in with the mindset that he wanted to knock him out and show everyone. Who cares about everyone! People only support and love you when your winning, so the only goal is the WIN! But like a warrior, he wanted a WAR.
I was very upset because I believe and know what he can do. You haven’t even seen that Yet it’s scary! Learning listening curve.
BLESSED to have the world’s best team home Grown Allstars training centre this ones for all of you: @jeppetraining @selmanberisha @joakim71karlsson @bang_chalong @alanfinfoujj @darrentill2.0 @rezamaddog @khamzat_chimaev @alexthemauler @majdishammas @guram_dze @alexandrekpitao @blockasset @mohammadbabadivand
People gonna underestimate us now……….big mistake! Be my guest!”
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