Covington rules out any chance of fighting at lightweight and takes the opportunity to provoke Poirier

C. Covington at a post-UFC 268. Photo: Reproduction/YouTube

Defeated in his second attempt to win the Ultimate welterweight (up to 77kg) belt, Colby covington is sure about his division in the company. Current number one in the ranking led by Kamaru Usman, the North American ruled out any possibility of testing himself in the lightweight division, and even took the opportunity to 'take a bite' from Dustin poirier.

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“I'm not a provocateur, like Dustin poirier. The guy needs to cut all his weight (to fight at lightweight). (…) outside the fight period, he weighs between 85kg. and 86kg. I do not want it. When you cut that weight, it's not healthy for your body. Removing all the water from your brain, dehydrating it like that. It is not good. I plan to live a long life. I don't cheat, I don't take steroids, and I don't cut a lot of weight. I arrive and fight in my natural category. I just show up and show the world what I’m capable of, my potential, how I should be,” said Colby, in an interview with James Lynch.

Known for his acidic statements, Covington has become a professional provocateur of Dustin poirier. The athletes know each other from the time when Colby was part of the American Top Team athletes. After leaving 'Caos', due to frequent controversies with athletes, the former interim welterweight champion began to publicly criticize his former teammates.

Willing to continue at welterweight, Covington is looking for a new commitment to the organization. At the beginning of November, the American took to the Octagon to stage his long-awaited rematch against the champion, Kamaru Usman. The athlete had a high-level performance, but ended up, once again, being stopped by the Nigerian, who kept the belt in the unanimous decision of the judges.

Targeted by Colby, Poirier lives a totally different reality. After winning Conor McGregor twice in 2021 alone, the 'Diamante' now has a confirmed clash against the lightweight champion, Charles of the Bronx. The athletes face each other on December 11th.