Leon edwards (left) and Colby covington (dir.) face each other in the UFC 296. Photo: SUPER FIGHTS montage
The provocations between Leon edwards e Colby covington at the promotional press conference UFC 296 piqued fans' curiosity for the outcome of this Saturday's title fight (16). Although maintaining the title, on the one hand, and conquering the unprecedented throne, on the other, is the protagonists' dream, there is more at stake than one imagines.
See too
For the current champion, remaining at the top of the welterweight division (up to 77,1kg.) allows the athlete to expand his legacy in the division and dream of 'best in history' status. The challenger, Covington, wants to put an end to the fate of two failed attempts to wear the belt.
However, the dispute between the opponents goes beyond the title. For both, a defeat can be fatal and represent 'the end' of their dream of occupying the most desired position within an MMA category.
Attention to Edwards
Welterweight champion since 2022, Edwards is far from being the company's most popular belt holder. Although he achieved glory with merit, by overcoming the then unbeatable Kamaru Usman, the pragmatic style and high number of victories in the judges' decisions bring skepticism about his talent among fans of the sport.
If he is surpassed by Colby, who enjoys great prestige with the UFC board, Leon is unlikely to receive an immediate rematch. In addition to the line of rising talents hungry for the opportunity to fight for the title, a possible short trajectory as category leader could take the Englishman to the 'end of the line'.
In a group full of 'lions', especially when we consider the top 10, a possible defeat would not be an embarrassment, but could signify the fighter's 'goodbye' in the future attempt to regain the throne.
It should be remembered that, a few years ago, Edwards had his place in the top 15 threatened due to his inactivity. With two fights between 2019 and 2021, the Englishman ended up bothering the UFC board and was forced to give up, accepting a challenge against Belal Muhammad | (which ended in 'no contest'.
Still without gaining the status of challenger, the Englishman agreed to face Nate diaz, which, at the time, was not even among the top 15 in the group. Leon got past the veteran 'bad boy' and, this time, overturned the company's refusal to cast him to face the champion.
Last chance for Covington
C. Covington is a former interim UFC welterweight champion. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram
A welterweight standout for years, Covington is close to fighting his third title fight in the category. Former interim champion of the group, the athlete had two unsuccessful attempts to put on the belt, both in front of Kamaru Usman.
Although he has great popularity, especially among North American fans and supporters of the former president of the United States, Donald Trump, Colby lives a 'snooker'. At 35 years old, the 'loudmouth' has no more time to waste.
If he is defeated again in a fight for the throne, the fighter may be 'forgotten' due to wear and tear or the public's lack of interest in seeing him perform in a possible fourth fight. The inactivity of Trump's pupil also weighs against the veteran.
In the last three years, Colby has played just three times. His last engagement took place in March 2022, when he hit his ex-best friend Jorge masvidal, in a monotonous confrontation.
Although he has bold plans and guarantees that he will win the belt, Covington could go from 'heaven to hell' this weekend. The stumble should, in fact, be considered impossible, because, if it is lost, fans can watch the farewell of one of the great Ultimate athletes who did not win a linear title.
You need login To comment.