- Anthony Smith broke down why Leon Edwards would assume Jorge Masvidal is an easier opponent than Colby Covington
- “Lionheart” said “Rocky” has a strong argument for wanting “Gamebred” over “Chaos”
Anthony Smith thinks reigning UFC welterweight champion Leon Edwards has all the reasons why he would rather have Jorge Masvidal as his next title challenger than Colby Covington.
All signs point to Jorge
Speaking on Bisping and Smith BYM podcast, “Lionheart” said he would totally understand “Rocky” if he would reject Dana White’s offer to take on “Chaos.” According to Smith, Edwards has been dying to beat Masvidal up because of their feud that goes way back to 2019. The champ also knows “Gamebred” is a huge-money fight and more importantly, an easier opponent than Covington.
“We got to remember that Leon’s talking with his wallet too when it comes down to it. You want the easiest fight for the most money, he’s got bad blood, he wants to get one back on Masvidal. Masvidal probably does bigger numbers than probably anybody else in the division, he’s the biggest draw… We know for a fact the mass at all does big pay-per-view numbers for sure,” Smith began.
Smith also pointed out that Edwards’ style matches Masvidal’s because as opposed to Covington’s, “Rocky” would have to go through a whole training champ, working on his wrestling.
“It’s an easier fight than Colby. He’s a striker, which really works into Leon’s game, I think, better. Leon’s had to train back to back training camps for a national champion wrestler who’s made his money taking people down and having that threat so if you’re not a wrestler, those training camps suck, you constantly got people diving on your legs you’re constantly defending takedowns, it’s exhausting. It beats your body up. It’s hard,” he explained..
“So, I would think in terms of money, stylistic matchup, ease of the fight… Of course, he’s going to say Masvidal, absolutely yeah, without question, Masvidal is the easier fight, I’m not saying it’s an easy fight,” he concluded.
A long discussion is looming
Should Edwards decide to turn down a fight with Covington, it would mean that he would have to wait and hope that Masvidal gets the better of Gilbert Burns at UFC 287. Hence, it would also mean that he and the UFC president would have to engage in several discussions depending on the outcome of Masvidal vs. Burns.
On the other hand, White seems all-in on Edwards vs. Covington but “Rocky” is not pleased with the idea.
As it stands, Masvidal badly needs to secure a win, having gone winless in his last three trips to the Octagon. Covington, meanwhile, has put himself back in the fold after putting on a dominant performance on “Gamebred” at UFC 272.
