Does Colby Covington deserve a title shot?
When Colby Covington pressed charges against Jorge Masvidal last year, he went radio silent. For almost one year, Covington didn’t do a single interview and didn’t address if he was ever coming back. He returned to the spotlight last weekend when he weighed in as the backup fighter for the trilogy fight between Leon Edwards and Kamaru Usman. He ultimately wasn’t needed, but it looks like stepping on the weight scale has secured him a title shot against Edwards. At the UFC 286 post-fight press conference, Dana White confirmed that Covington would receive the next Welterweight title shot regardless of what happens between Masvidal and Gilbert Burns.
The question now becomes, does Covington deserve a title shot? It really depends on how you view the sport. From an entertainment standpoint, Covington would generate the most buzz. He’s already referencing the American Revolutionary War of 1776 and is setting up a U.S. vs. U.K. theme for the fight. From a merit standpoint, it’s hard to justify Covington receiving a title shot over Belal Muhammad, who’s won eight straight fights, while Covington is 2-2 in his last four.
While Covington has been squatting on his position and wanting only “money fights,” Muhammad has been fighting everyone the UFC has offered him. Muhammad defeated two consecutive top-5 opponents, then was offered undefeated Sean Brady, who was behind him in the rankings. Not only did Muhammad end his winning streak, he finished him. The UFC now wants Muhammad to fight Shavkat Rakhmonov, who is again behind him in the rankings. If Covington refuses to fight backwards, why should Muhammad? It’ll come down to whether the title shot is based on entertainment or merit.
Paulo Costa agrees to a new four-fight contract with UFC
It seems like the standstill between Paulo Costa, and the UFC is finally coming to an end, as Costa confirmed this week that he’s agreed to a new four-fight contract with the promotion. He hasn’t signed the contract yet, but both parties seem to have come to an agreement. The UFC announced late last year that Costa would be fighting Robert Whittaker in Australia at UFC 284 but scratched the plan because Costa didn’t sign a bout agreement.
Costa also revealed that the UFC approached him with an offer to face Sean Strickland in May or face Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 294 in Abu Dhabi. Costa is intent on fighting both opponents in back-to-back fights this year.
Quick Hits
- Masvidal has “insider information” that he’ll fight Edwards next if he defeats Burns.
- Chimaev confirms his next fight will be at middleweight.
- Holly Holm signed a new six-fight contract with the UFC.
- Fabricio Werdum is officially a free agent.
- Dustin Poirier is open to a rematch against Justin Gaethje.
- Gaethje believes Michael Bisping was biased in his commentary for Edwards vs. Usman 3.
- Alexa Grasso is targeting a return to action in September.
- Covington believes Khabib Nurmagomedov was afraid of him.
- Marvin Vettori believes Whittaker is a better fighter than Israel Adesanya.
- Conor McGregor vs. Michael Chandler could take place at Allegiant Stadium.
Verdict is the mixed martial arts platform for fan engagement. Available on iOS and Android. Verdict’s mission is to increase engagement of the MMA viewing experience. Primarily, using innovative data collection methods that are shared with the community. We’re increasing transparency within the MMA community and its thoughts by aggregating crowd-sourced data and sharing it back. By leveraging a user focused design, we’re bringing fight data to the community’s finger tips.
