Jun 9, 2018; Chicago, IL, USA; Colby Covington (blue gloves) defeats Rafael Dos Anjos (red gloves) during UFC 225 at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports
One of the biggest grudge matches the UFC could have put on is finally becoming a reality. According the ESPN’s Ariel Helwani, former interim welterweight champion, Colby Covington (15-2), will be taking on former welterweight champion, Tyron Woodley (19-5-1).
The fight is expected to headline a fight night in September. The date is not finalized yet, but the fight has been agreed to. The fight’s date is pending based on where the UFC decides to host UFC 253.
The UFC was trying to book this fight for August, but Woodley was not ready to take the fight. He wanted the fight, but he wanted it to be in September or October. Covington took to Instagram to voice his frustrations.
This is a fight that has been years in the making. Covington was originally supposed to get the title shot that Kamaru Usman got back at UFC 235. Covington was supposed to fight Woodley before then, but a nose surgery forced him to wait.
After Usman dominated Rafael Dos Anjos, the UFC moved forward giving Usman the title shot. Of course, Usman went on to defeat Woodley to become champion. Usman also went on to defeat Covington last year.
We haven’t seen Covington since his loss to Usman in December. The fight was an instant classic that was very close. I personally had the fight 2-2 going into the fifth round. Usman of course went on to finish Covington in that final round.
The fight proved that Usman was the best in the world, but it also proved that Covington was 1B to his 1A. Covington’s stock really didn’t take a hit even in the loss. A guy who’s stock has taken a massive hit is the former champion, Woodley.
Woodley has not only lost two fights in a row, but he’s been shut out in both fights. Both fights going to the scorecards and not one judge gave one round to Woodley. Woodley has looked completely lost in his last couple of UFC fights.
This fight is big for both men as they try to get back to the UFC title. If Covington wins, he might be next in line, and Woodley might permanently hang up his gloves. If Woodley wins, he might be looking at renewed confidence which can help him get back to title contention.
This is going to be a fun fight, and the build up is going to be something else. Who do you have taking it when Covington and Woodley finally fight?
This post was published on 2020-08-10 19:09
