Rivalries in the UFC are not uncommon among contenders within the confines of the octagon. While most of these end with an embrace after the final bell, some continue long after the fight has ended. There are some rivalries between fighters, even if they are in different weight classes. This is the case with Colby Covington and names from the welterweight division and the American Top Team gym. The rivalry between ex-ATT teammates ‘Chaos’ and Dustin Poirier is one such feud that has continued for years. This relationship turned sour after Covington, who had to leave the gym, blamed ‘The Diamond’ and Jorge Masvidal for his dismissal.

Since then, they have been trading barbs in interviews and on social media. Covington recently made a comeback to the UFC after being announced as the backup fighter in the welterweight championship bout between Kamaru Usman and Leon Edwards at UFC 286. While the focus should have been purely on the welterweight title, ‘Chaos’ opened up on a range of topics. This included the Dustin Poirier fight that never materialized.

Colby Covington says Dustin Poirier is afraid to fight him

When asked about whether a fight against him manifested for Poirier, Colby Covington quickly agreed. According to the American, it was Poirier who denied the fight. “He said on Twitter, it’s on-site, all these things. He even went on Twitter (and said) I accept. Oh dude, he never accepted, the UFC gave him the biggest money fight that he was gonna get besides obviously Conor and he fumbled it,” Covington said.

According to ‘Chaos’, Poirier’s reason for denying the fight was simple. The former UFC interim welterweight champion accused Poirier of picking and choosing his fights. He also said, “He was afraid, he was scared he doesn’t want to step into the Octagon because he knows he’s gonna get melted by raw American steel.”

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In an earlier interview, Dustin Poirier stated some very different reasons why he would never want to fight Covington.

Why does Dustin Poirier not want to fight Covington?

Dustin Poirier had earlier said that he would never fight Covington in the Octagon. According to Poirier, their rivalry was personal, and he didn’t want Covington to make money out of the fight.

The UFC lightweight fighter even went ahead to say that if the duo ever fought outside the octagon, they both would go to jail. The question remains whether they will ever fight each other. As Dustin Poirier has no clear contender in the lightweight division, and a fight against Covington would undoubtedly be a massive draw.

Meanwhile, Dana White stated that Colby Covington would get a title shot. However, the welterweight champion Leon Edwards has denied this.

Covington may turn his attention to Poirier if the fight with Edwards doesn’t materialize. It is a readymade money spinner for the UFC, as their rivalry is personal and goes beyond just fighting in the Octagon. What do you make of Covington’s claims? Let us know in the comments section below.

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