The welterweight champion, Leon ‘Rocky’ Edwards has been talking to UFC Europe ahead of his UFC 296 title fight with the former interim champion, Colby Covington. The two are set to meet in the main event of the final PPV of the year in what will be Edwards’ second title defence.
The Brit’s first defence came against Kamaru Usman in March of this year when he defeated his rival via majority decision. This trilogy fight came about after Edwards pulled off one of the best comebacks in UFC history, knocking out Usman in the final round of their championship bout in August 2022 to capture the belt in emphatic fashion.
What surprised many was when Covington appeared in March as the back-up fighter to the main event, weighed in, but wasn’t needed. On this occasion, Belal Muhammad will weigh in as the back-up man
Discussing the upcoming bout with Chaos, Edwards told UFC Europe:
“This is his fourth title shot. I feel like he knows this is 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 for the best Colby. I know he’s been out for almost two years come December. But, I just can’t see what he goes in there and does. I’ve been the active one. I’m the younger one. He hasn’t beat no one under the age of 35, 36 since I don’t know. If you’re judging his wins off Robbie [Lawler], [Tyron] Woodley, and Masvidal, he’s in for a total shock what’s going to happen on fight night.”
Understandably, Edwards isn’t short of confidence ahead of his T-Mobile Arena fight, speaking about Covington as an opponent, he stated:
“I think that guy is a clown. But I am focused on going out there, taking him out, defending my belt for a second time, just carrying on my journey. He’s just another guy that’s in my way, and I’m going to take him out”.
This one has fans salivating as it’s an interesting clash of styles. Edwards will look to keep it standing, utilising his sniper like accuracy and leaning on his 69% takedown defence. Covington will set a crazy pace, wade forwards with wrestling intentions and will look to overwhelm chaos with his output.
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