Leon Edwards is not content with just beating Colby Covington at UFC 296 in their upcoming welterweight clash. The fight is for the undisputed UFC welterweight title, an achievement that has eluded Covington’s grasp twice. Edwards is looking to continue his title reign and recently revealed his game plan and thoughts going into the matchup against ‘Chaos’.
In a recent appearance on ‘The MMA Hour,’ Edwards spoke about his confidence going into the fight against Covington. He revealed that he believes he is “better” than Covington in all aspects of mixed martial arts. And his statements indicate that he not only wants to win but also to force Covington to retire from the sport!
Leon Edwards isn’t looking for a ‘decision’ win against Colby Covington
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In the interview with Ariel Helwani, Leon Edwards shared his thoughts on the upcoming fight. Helwani inquired if he could provide some insight for the fans in what his approach was towards the bout. Edwards stated that he envisions his opponent starting fast, but remains confident that he will be able to stop Covington’s pressure.
Edwards stated, “I see him start fast, like he always does, I think I stop him like around two or three, either by knocking him out or submission. Feel just like he’s too careless in the way he competes, you know he’s like it’s too careless for someone like me.”
‘Rocky’ also expressed his belief in being superior to his opponent, emphasizing that Covington’s careless approach is an advantage for him.
Despite acknowledging his opponent’s forward-charging style, Edwards highlighted the depth of fighting, indicating his full preparedness for the bout. He revealed, “I’m just way more better than him, and I truly believe that and I know I’m banking on this like, just charging forward, but there’s more to fighting than that you know”
Edwards also conveyed his desire for a decisive victory, expressing that he doesn’t consider a decision enough. He went further to assert his belief that the upcoming bout will lead to his opponent’s retirement. Edwards stated, “I don’t feel like a decision is enough, I feel like I want to like retire him. You know, I feel after this he will retire.”
This insight into Edwards’ strategic approach and his confidence in a conclusive outcome adds anticipation to the upcoming fight. However, despite his statements about Covington’s “retirement”, his opponent has already claimed that he is certain of his victory and has set his sights on another champion!
Colby Covington slams UFC middleweight champion
In a recent interview with CODE Sports, Covington didn’t hold back when asked about current UFC middleweight champion, Sean Strickland. He criticized Strickland, expressed a desire to face him, and stated, “The guy’s so f****** stupid. The things he says, he needs to get his mouth wired shut and I’m the guy to do it. Covington believes he’s the one to silence Strickland and suggests the UFC knows he can handle fighters critical of the company.
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Strickland has gained notoriety for his candid remarks to the media. And despite potential contenders eyeing Strickland, Covington, if victorious against Edwards revealed he’s ready to take on the challenge at a higher weight class. He stated, “I’m the top of the division, I’m about to be welterweight champion of the world, so I only want the biggest and best fights the UFC has to offer.”
This statement underlines Covington’s focus on pursuing significant and high-profile matchups, emphasizing a strategic approach to his career in the UFC. It remains to be seen if Covington will finally secure the elusive undisputed welterweight title and take on Sean Strickland, or if Leon Edwards will put Covington out to pasture as he’s stated in the interview with Ariel Helwani.
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Do you think Leon Edwards and his technical proficiency in all aspects of mixed martial arts to be too much for Colby Covington to handle? Why or why not? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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