Colby Covington and Leon Edwards are just days away from facing each other, and combat sports enthusiasts can’t contain their excitement. This bout has the potential to crown a new welterweight champion, or does it? Fans and pros alike are expressing various opinions about the potential outcome of the fight, but only the ultimate showdown will provide the answers.

The list of names who are predicting the outcome of the UFC 296 main event includes the two-time title challenger Stephen Thompson or as we may know him ‘Wonderboy’. Thompson claims that Edwards might be an overkill for Covington. Let us dig in to know what exactly Thompson has said about their fight.

Stephen Thompson believes Leon Edwards will overpower Colby Covington

The welterweight title fight is on the horizon, and speculations are already rife. Joining the bandwagon is ‘Wonderboy,’ who intriguingly shares the same stage. Stephen Thompson believes that Leon Edwards might be a bit much for Colby Covington, suggesting the Englishman could be too much to handle for ‘Chaos.’

‘Wonderboy’ has elaborated on the similarities between Colby Covington’s fighting style and that of Kamaru Usman. Notably, Usman was previously defeated by Leon Edwards. Thompson further emphasizes that Covington is notably smaller than both Edwards and Usman. This reasoning underscores Thompson’s belief that Edwards will have the upper hand in overpowering Covington. “You know, because Colby is a very similar fighter to Usman, right? Which is why those two guys were so fun to watch. But he’s also the smaller of the two. I think Colby Covington is smaller than Leon, smaller than Usman.” said Thompson on the Submission Radio YouTube channel.

He reiterated the point that Covington possesses excellent cardio and can sustain a fight for an extended period. However, in the final analysis, he favored Edwards and asserted that, despite Covington’s strengths, he wouldn’t be able to emerge victorious against Edwards. “Well, He’s got cardio for days, yes, but I don’t think he’s going to be as strong. I think the pace is going to be there, but I think Leon has proven, doesn’t matter what kind of pace you bring, that he’s still going to be as dangerous in the fifth as he is in the first,” said Thompson.

Later in the conversation, Thomspon was asked about his opinion on Edwards looking for the double champ status and the 40-year-old’s answer was as diplomatic as possible.

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Thompson’s two cents on Leon Edwards’ ‘champ champ’ aspirations

The hosts asked Stephen Thompson for his opinion on Leon Edwards’ decision to move up to the middleweight division to vie for double champ status. Additionally, they inquired about Edwards’ assertion that the UFC’s welterweight division lacks compelling fights. Thompson said “I mean, he’s only been the champ for one fight, and after that, two fights. I feel like if you want to go up to 185, give the guys at 170 a chance to get up. I mean, have at least two or three, four fights before you go and clean the division out, right?”

He further added, “He hasn’t done that—clean the division out and then go up and fight at 85. Because there are some great, interesting fights at 170. I mean, you’ve got me, you’ve got Shavkat man, you’ve got Ian Gary who’s undefeated and working his way up as well. I mean, there are so many other guys that you can fight at 170. Like, come on, bro! I mean, I think he’s just looking for a money fight at this point, which is why he’s saying that.”

Leon Edwards is looking for the double champ status, but a hurdle named Covington is standing in his way right now. Will Leon Edwards ever be able to get his hands on a second belt? Do you believe that in Stephen Thompson’s statements about Edwards? Tell us about your opinion in the comments below.

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