UFC Tampa ceremonial weigh-ins left the entire world of mixed martial arts flabbergasted. The fighting community didn’t fail to expect a little bit of drama to ensue as Colby Covington and Joaquin Buckley stepped onto the stage. However, not many expected Chael Sonnen to be present with ‘Chaos’. But the story didn’t end there. Covington’s long-time mentor was the one who spoke on the former interim welterweight champion’s behalf and caught the MMA realm off-guard. 

‘The Bad Guy’ has often talked highly of Covington. He has been mentoring Covington since 2023. But do you know the exact glue that has strengthened their relationship? Let’s find out all about the relationship that has connected Sonnen and Covington, and see if ‘The American Gangster’ has a major role in ‘Chaos’s training camp.

Chael Sonnen walks out and hints at cornering Colby Covington at UFC Tampa ceremonial Weigh-ins

During the UFC Tampa official weigh-ins, following the first face-off between the main eventers, it was not Covington who answered the questions thrown at him. Instead, he directed it all to Sonnen, his head coach and role model. Sonnen took charge of the interview and spoke on Covington’s behalf. “I came to tell you, when you’re the greatest fighter of the world today, they got a name for you. They don’t call you a great fighter. They call you ‘Chaos’ Covington,” announced ‘The American Gangster’.

The brief interview ended with the audience cheering out loud, as ‘The Bad Guy’ walked Covington out of the stage at the ceremonial weigh-ins. But later, during a backstage interview with Megan Olivi, Sonnen revealed that he had been wanting to lead Covington for a long time. When the ESPN journalist asked about the partnership between Sonnen and Colby Covington, the mentor said, “I’ve wanting to be with Colby from the beginning. When he finally called and said, ‘Man, I got a spot for you,’ I thought it was about time.” 

However, it was actually Sonnen’s mother that pushed him to coach Covington. He continued. “The biggest problem I had, Megan, was getting my mother here. She’s never missed a Colby fight. And she feels like she’s his good luck charm, which she’s really not. But she feels that way, and it’s very sweet, mom.”

And Covington promised that he would give his best performance at UFC Tampa against Buckley. The reason for that would be no one but Sonnen. Covington revealed that he had a whole new team around him, and the centerpiece was none other than ‘The American Gangster’. “He’s the head coach. He’s the boss man. What he says goes,” said the former welterweight interim champ. Moreover, it was also revealed that the ‘Bad Guy’ would be cornering Covington during the fight.

It’s not just the ability to talk trash that has brought the fighters together. It was, in fact, Oregon State Wrestling that pulled the two close. Needless to say, the welterweight contender seemed pretty content with how things turned out to be. 

How did Covington begin training with Sonnen?

When Olivi asked Covington about how he felt regarding Sonnen as the leader of the camp, he said, “Whatever he says goes. Uncle Chael started me in this sport. I wouldn’t be doing mixed martial arts if it wasn’t for him finding me in an Oregon state wrestling, coming up to me, and saying, ‘Hey, I want you to come train at Team Quest for me. Get me ready for some fights. Help me out. And taking some b–t whipping from over the years. So, thankful to have him in my core. He inspires me.” 

On top of that, Sonnen had already done his homework while getting ready to corner Covington at UFC Tampa. The former mixed martial artist had already broken down Buckley’s fighting style. Needless to say, Team Covington led by Sonnen was ready to reclaim the top position and fight for the welterweight championship title.

The team didn’t put away wrestling and would ensure that it’s a win that they’d claim against ‘New Mansa’ in Florida. Sonnen revealed that the fight against Buckley would include a lot of work on the foot, while also involving episodes of strong wrestling in Tampa. No doubt, the team didn’t want to give up on the things that made them strong. And it was their Oregon-style wrestling. 

What do think of the partnership between Covington and Sonnen? Let us know what you think in the comments down below.