Colby Covington has nothing nice to say about the reigning UFC welterweight champion.
UFC 296 closes out the UFC’s 2023 calendar and takes place in Las Vegas’ T-Mobile Arena with one of the promotion’s most prestigious titles on the line in the main event. The U.K.’s Leon “Rocky” Edwards returns to action for the first time since successfully picking up title defense No. 1 against Kamaru Usman by majority decision at UFC 286 this past March. Standing in his way is none other than America’s “Chaos” Covington.
It’s par for the course to get some vitriol and venom spewed at you if you’re matched with Covington. Edwards has been critiqued plenty by his upcoming dance partner in the months that have followed UFC 286 when Covington was the backup fighter for Edwards vs. Usman 3, but with their fight right around the corner, Covington has taken the personal attacks to another level.
“As a person, ‘Leon Scott,’ a.k.a. ‘Low IQ Leon,’ what’s his grade level? What’s his level of education?” Covington asked when speaking to All Out Fighting. “I swear, that guy’s a mumbling, fumbling idiot. He’s literally always drooling on himself. As a person, I just think that that guy’s a waste of f****** chromosomes and a waste of space.
“Honestly, I’d love to know, can someone tell me — some journalist, this is all I want from this journalist out there, please dive into Leon Scott’s IQ. Like, what is his level of education? Did he graduate middle school? Did he even get through elementary school? Because the guy’s dumber than a box of rocks.”
Covington, 35, has stated on several occasions that the Edwards bout was originally in discussions to happen sooner, specifically for the UFC’s return to London after that visit for UFC 296. “Chaos” claims Edwards instead wanted to take a break of sorts after his back-to-back Usman battles, leaving the U.K. to get a Fight Night event rather than another PPV.
Should Covington’s third time be the charm in undisputed title fights (0-2 vs. the former champion Usman), the perennial top contender promises to give the English fans the title defense that Edwards wouldn’t. First, Covington has prepared himself for illegal maneuvers aplenty, believing the champion is the dirtiest fighter in MMA.
“As a fighter, Leon Scott is the biggest cheater the sport’s ever known,” Covington said. “I thought ‘Marty’ [Kamaru] Usman was a cheater. Man, this guy makes ‘Marty’ look like a fricken saint.
“Leon is a cheater. He’s poking people in the eyes, kicking people in the nuts, grabbing the fence. I mean, the guy’s the biggest cheater the sport’s ever seen and that’s the only way I was able to prepare for him. Just prepare for all the cheating he’s gonna do.”
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Leon Edwards’ Streak.
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Sports Medicine with Matt Serra.
Free fights.
Full fight.
Malaysian Schoolboy.
PFL Europe Championship.
Champ’s training.
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DAMN! They Were Good. MMA Fighting remembers Mark Hunt, The King of the Walk-Off KO.
Heck of a Morning. MMA Fighting’s Mike Heck discusses what the most compelling non-title fight for UFC 296 is.
Golf life.
Drama.
Iam in, but the earliest time I can be in octagon is February/March.
Accept? ⚡️
— Jiri BJP Prochazka (@jiri_bjp) December 7, 2023
First he cries after I broke him, then he cries when I need to take care of my injury. Be happy that I will not break you this time, again. You can now go and continue to cry…
— Jan Blachowicz (@JanBlachowicz) December 7, 2023
Throwback.
Oh my.
Is that a replica?
Mr. Ireland One of my proudest achievements as Mr. Ireland, was securing our nations flag on the coveted @ufc belt. There are only 8 country flags on the belt. They signal the 1st 8 countries that won ufc gold. I done it for Ireland! UP THE IRISH! IRISH FOREVER! pic.twitter.com/OMH6NafEgV
— Conor McGregor (@TheNotoriousMMA) December 7, 2023
Youth.
Song Yadong turned 26 at the start of the Month. He is currently the 2nd youngest ranked male fighter in The UFC sitting only behind Muhammad Mokaev(23).
Ian Garry, Ilia Topuria & Arman Tsarukyan round out the top 5. pic.twitter.com/B3qGBfZmxT
— Andy Hickey MMA (@AndyHickeyMMA) December 7, 2023
Knowledge.
Ringside.
Staying busy.
Happy birthday!
Thanks for making me smile on my Birthday y’all! Would rather be with family and friends than on this plane right now but I have the best job in the world and look forward to calling these fights pic.twitter.com/t0RMPS0RIE
— Laura Sanko (@laura_sanko) December 7, 2023
On point.
Life comes at you fast.
I am 30 and I have no idea what the fuck is going on. That’s the easiest way I can explain it.
— Sodiq Yusuff (@Super_Sodiq) December 8, 2023
Pain.
Golden girl.
Through the years.
Daniel Marcos (15-0) vs. Aoriqileng (25-11); UFC Vegas 86, Feb. 10
Covington is ramping it up as fight week draws near. The pre-fight press conference is going to be chaos with Edwards, Machado Garry, and Paddy Pimblett up on stage… pun intended.
Happy Friday, folks. Have a great weekend as always, and stay safe out there. Thanks for reading!
Poll
Will Leon Edwards vs. Colby Covington go the distance?
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