UFC 296: Leon Edwards Talks Tough Against Colby Covington Ahead of Showdown

Left: Colby Covington, Right: Leon Edwards – CC

UFC welterweight champion Leon Edwards has already started trash-talking his opponent, Colby Covington, ahead of the upcoming UFC 296 in Nevada T-Mobile Arena on December 17.

Edwards deemed Covington’s recent victories inadequate preparation for their upcoming clash. Notably, Covington’s past wins are bouts against former MMA fighters Jorge Masvidal, Robbie Lawler and Tyron Woodley.

Edwards emphasized that UFC 296 would be Covington’s fourth attempt to claim the welterweight title and his last one.

“As far as what’s on the line for me, how long it took me to get it, so I feel like we’ve both got a lot to prove in there. So, I am 100 percent focused on the best Colby. I know he’s been out for almost two years come December,” said Edwards.

Edwards boasted his advantages over his 35-year-old opponent, saying he is more active and younger than Covington, thus giving him a possible edge.

“He’s just another guy that’s in my way, and I’m going to take him out,” said Edwards.

Ongoing Covington-Masvidal rivalry

Covington has been away from the octagon for nearly two years, with his bout against Masvidal being the latest one before facing off against Edwards next week.

Although Masvidal has left the UFC, the offstage Covington-Masvidal rivalry persists. During an interview with ESPN, Covington said UFC 272 against Masvidal was a walk in the park and had many moments when he dominated Masvidal.

The Covington-Masvidal rivalry started sometime before the two faced off during UFC 272 in early March 2022, before culminating in an alleged altercation between the two later that month.

During the incident, Masvidal allegedly assaulted Covington outside Miami Beach Papi Steak restaurant due to the unanimous decision that favored Covington at UFC 272. Covington suffered from two hits on the face that caused him tooth loss from the altercation.

The authorities charged Masvidal with felony battery and criminal mischief before dropping his aggravated battery and criminal mischief charges in early November 2023 via a plea deal.