Controversial UFC fighter Colby Covington is next in line for a shot at Leon Edwards‘ welterweight championship. UFC president Dana White made this clear during the UFC 286 post-fight press conference. In addition to that, ‘Chaos’ claims that Edwards could be stripped of the title if he doesn’t accept to fight him.

Covington took up the role of the backup fighter for Usman vs Edwards 3 at UFC 286. Moreover, White was impressed with ‘Chaos’ after he accepted the offer on a day’s notice and even cut weight to get near the 170-pound mark in a short period. This prompted the UFC president to choose him as the next contender for the title.

Colby Covington claims UFC will take away Leon Edwards’ title if he doesn’t fight him

The former interim champion made an appearance on the ‘Submission Radio’ podcast as he provided an update on his future fight with ‘Rocky’. Covington said, “Yeah, you know Dana White and Hunter Campbell. I took them out in Miami because I’m the king of Miami. So I had to show them proper hospitality here in Miami.”

He mentioned that Leon Edwards had no other choice but to fight him at UFC 291. He said, “We had a great talk. He’s [Edwards] got nowhere to go. If Leon doesn’t wanna fight, I have already been assured that it’s just okay. They will strip him and I’m next in line.” Covington added, “The fact that he’s trying to cry and act all privileged is just funny. But there’s nowhere to go.”

‘Chaos’ to fight Edwards in the summer of 2023

Covington provided an update regarding the timeline of his fight against the reigning champion. He said, “Dana has assured me, I’m fighting him [Edwards] this summer. I don’t know the location yet, you know. We will have to wait and see from Dana and the big bosses at the UFC with what they decide.”

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Leon Edwards has already mentioned that he doesn’t believe Covington deserves to fight for the title and claims there are other worthy fighters. However, Dana White has laid the plans for him and he will be obliged to fight as he has been directed to.

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The welterweight division is now in an exciting position, with new contenders emerging to fight for the title. Dana White also gave Brazilian fighter Gilbert Burns the opportunity to take up the backup fighter role for Covington vs Edwards fight. We will have to wait and see what follows.

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