If Colby Covington and Islam Makhachev ever competed inside the Octagon, former interim welterweight champion Covington is certain he would defeat Makhachev in three rounds.
Later this year, Covington will square off against the current champion Leon Edwards for the 170-pound title. It is still unknown when and where that match will take place. Meanwhile, Colby Covington has kept himself busy by calling almost every other competitor on the roster, including lightweight titleholder Islam Makhachev.
In a recent interview with James Lynch, Covington was asked about how he envisions a possible match between himself and the Dagestani competitor going. Covington expressed his confidence in defeating Makhachev within three rounds should they ever face each other in the Octagon.
Covington stated: “It would play out the same way that the guy that knocked him out last time he got beat in the UFC Octagon played out. I trained that guy Adriano [Martins] for that fight so I was telling him the whole time, ‘Dude, check right hook right to him. Just hit a right hook. He’s not ready for that. He’s not keeping his left hand high.’ That’s what Adriano did. Went out there and knocked him out.”
Covington continued: “He’s a southpaw like myself and [Makhachev] doesn’t do good against southpaws. Look how much trouble he was having with that little short midget from Australia, Volkanovski. Dude, he’s a 145 featherweight and you want to come to 170 now and talk this big game.”
“He knows what would happen, just like his daddy Khabib [Nurmagomedov] knew. That’s why Khabib never came to 170. Because he knew King Colby was here. He knew he couldn’t outwrestle me and that’s what those guys from Dagestan do.”
“They try to outwrestle these guys. I’m a way better wrestler and my accolades speak for themselves. Division I All-American national champion. Could have been a freakin’ Olympic champion if I had went for it, but I rather fight in the UFC because it’s the best organization in the world.”
Makhachev previously expressed desire to move up to 170lbs but he hasn’t been given the go ahead. It appears he’ll be making a title defense in October in Abu Dhabi against Beneil Dariush.
“I think it’s illogical to go down to the weight category. I’m not a small person. I can’t go down to the weight category.”
“If the management calls me tomorrow and says that I want to fight at 77 kg, I will try.”