Colby Covington was ready to step up and fight Shavkat Rakhmonov for an interim title at UFC 310.
Originally, Belal Muhammad was set to defend his welterweight title for the first time against ‘Nomad’ at the final pay-per-view event of the year. Unfortunately, that will no longer be the case after ‘Remember The Name’ revealed he had suffered a gnarly bone infection in his foot.
As soon as the news broke, Kamaru Usman, Ian Machado Garry, and Joaquin Buckley all threw their name into the hat hoping to step in to fight Rakhmonov—so long as an interim belt is at stake.
As it turns out, Covington was hoping to score that coveted spot on December 7.
“If the UFC would have called me, they know I’m a game-time player, dude,” Covington told Submission Radio. “I love doing the biggest and best business for the company.”
“So, I was excited at the opportunity to step in there but, you know, it looks like they’re going a different route. They’re going to go potentially with the [Kamaru] Usman and sh*trat fight… I’m right there still anyway. I beat someone, I’m right back in the conversation. I would love that, they know they can call me on a week’s notice and I’m stepping up to the plate. I think it’s a good matchup for me…”
Adding to his statement, ‘Chaos’ confirmed that he called the UFC and offered to step in.
“Yeah, I offered [to fill in at UFC 310]. I told the UFC that I was willing to step up to the plate and I would love to save the show and put on a good show for the fans.
“They pay their hard-earned money for big mega-fights. They need a mega-fight, that’s not a mega-fight. They need someone who’s going to put asses in seats and entertain people. I was excited. I wanted the fight and I asked for it but I think they have other plans. But, you know, I’m still [in] their plans. I’m still the biggest star in the division.”
With Covington already failing to claim the welterweight title after being handed three opportunities—the last of which being decidedly unearned—it’s clear that the staunch supporter of Donald Trump will have to get out there and actually win a fight or two before being back in the conversation.
Colby Covington is Rooting Against Jon Jones at UFC 309
In a matter of days, Jon Jones will return to the Octagon set to defend his undisputed heavyweight title for the first time since claiming it 20 months ago via a quickfire submission victory over Ciryl Gane at UFC 285.
Asked who he’s rooting for in the UFC 309 headliner, Covington made it clear that he’s throwing his support behind Miocic, a fighter who he believes encompasses what it means to be a “real American,” unlike Jones.
“I’m really rooting for a real American, a guy that has morals and values, something that Jon lacks. He has no morals and values; he’s a terrible person. He’s beaten his wife, he’s had multiple drug challenges, terrible steroid charges, so he’s not a good person. He doesn’t deserve to win, so I’m rooting for Stipe, and I hope he gets it done.”
Clearly, Covington only appreciates “morals and values” when it comes to things like fighting in a cage—not so much when it comes to running an entire country.
Watch the full interview below:
