Colby Covington perfect opponent for Leon Edwards.
Colby Covington perfect opponent for Leon Edwards.
Josh Hedges/Zuffa LLC

Colby Covington is a highly controversial figure in the world of mixed martial arts (MMA). Despite the negative press he receives for his outlandish comments and divisive personality, Covington’s fighting style is perfectly suited to test Welterweight champion, Leon Edwards. Covington is a formidable wrestler, with an unrelenting pace and pressure-heavy game that can break even the toughest opponents.

In contrast, Edwards’ fighting style is more balanced and technical, relying on precision striking and footwork to keep his opponents at bay. This stylistic difference poses an intriguing matchup, especially since Edwards has not faced a top wrestler like Covington before. Covington’s skill set will provide Edwards with a unique challenge he has yet to encounter in his MMA career.

Why Not Jorge Masvidal?

Jasen Vinlove/USA TODAY sports

Edwards and Jorge Masvidal have exchanged punches without ever entering the cage. The infamous “Three Piece and a Soda” incident that happened backstage at a UFC event in 2019 left Edwards with a cut under his eye and Masvidal with a possible assault charge. Furthermore, Masvidal’s fighting style is similar to Edwards’, relying heavily on striking and counter-punching. The bad blood and the standup prowess between the two fighters create a compelling narrative for a potential fight.

However, there is no guarantee Masvidal will get past his next opponent in Gilbert Burns. Should Masvidal lose against Burns, it would further diminish the hype surrounding a potential matchup with Edwards. Additionally, a matchup with Covington would allow Edwards to contend with someone who has already proven himself as a top contender. Moreover, a potential win against Covington would grant Edwards more credibility as a champion, making him a stronger candidate for future high-profile fights.

Burns poses a threat to Masvidal and his chances of facing Edwards in the near future. “Durinho” Burns’ style and ground prowess could nullify Masvidal’s aggressive striking and give him a tougher fight than anticipated. This uncertainty makes it difficult to predict whether a fight between Masvidal and Edwards will ever come to fruition.

This uncertainty regarding Masvidal’s future fights makes him a less ideal opponent for Edwards than Covington, who is already a legitimate contender in the Welterweight division. Ultimately, while there may be compelling reasons for Edwards to face Masvidal, the uncertainty surrounding his future fights and the stylistic differences between the two men make Covington a more suitable and challenging opponent for Edwards at this time.

Leon Edwards Claims He Won’t Take Colby Covington Fight

After Dana White announced that Covington would be Edward’s next opponent, Leon Edwards claimed he would not fight against Covington. Edwards cited several reasons for his reluctance to fight Covington, including the latter’s inactivity and more deserving opponents like Belal Muhammad.

White doubled down this past Saturday at UFC San Antonio, stating that the UFC was going to do everything in its power to make Edwards vs. Covington happen and adding that Muhammad is not yet at the level of Covington in the welterweight division. While fans may be disappointed in Edwards’ reluctance to face off against Covington, it’s important to note that Edwards’ concerns should also factor into the decision-making process regarding his next opponent as champion. Only time will tell whether Edwards will ultimately face Covington or if the UFC will look to schedule a different fight for him.

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