Second-ranked UFC lightweight Justin Gaethje has legitimate respect for welterweight title challenger Colby Covington. He also thinks he’s a “piece of sh*t.”

Gatheje (22-3) is set to compete at UFC 268 on Nov. 6 in New York City. On that night inside Madison Square Garden, he will take part in a pivotal division matchup against recent title challenger, and fourth-ranked 155-pound talent Michael Chandler (22-6). On the same card, his Elevation Fight Team teammate, and current welterweight king, Kamaru Usman (19-1) will participate in the night’s headliner. That being a championship rematch against hated rival and top contender Covington (16-2)

The one-time interim lightweight titleholder was asked by “>ESPN for his thoughts on the title bout next month. And while he was complimentary of Covington — calling him a talented wrestler and hungry competitor — he couldn’t help but admit that while he respects “Chaos’” abilities as a fighter, he just doesn’t like the guy.

Justin Gaethje pretty much despises Colby Covington

“I dislike Colby so much. So I wanna see [Usman] really put it on him. But he’s a damn good fighter that little f*ck. Piece of sh*t person but a good fighter,” Gaethje said.”

Usman vs Covington 2 will be a rematch of the pair’s 2019 title fight at UFC 245. The bout — which is viewed as one of the best championship bouts in division history — was won by “The Nigerian Nightmare” by technical knockout with 50 seconds left in the fifth and final round.