Why Was Colby Covington Kicked Out of his Former Gym, American Top Team (ATT)?

Colby Covington is a controversial figure. ‘Chaos’ is known for playing a villainous, brash, and deliberately rude character for UFC fans. And this commitment to his craft has landed him trouble multiple times. Former BMF champion Jorge Masvidal, for example, assaulted him outside a steakhouse last year. Chael Sonnen has revealed that the Miami resident needs to walk around with personal security guards because of the threat he faces from fellow fighters.

His shenanigans also saw him being kicked out of his former gym, which was also the stable of UFC fighters such as Masvidal, Joanna Jedrzejczyk, and Dustin Poirier. But what actually led to Colby Covington being kicked out of his former gym? Ahead of his perhaps final title shot at UFC 296, let us take a look at the reasons behind his unceremonious exit from American Top Team gym.

Colby Covington blames Dustin Poirier for being kicked out of gym

In 2020, Colby Covington was kicked out of the American Top Team gym after nine years. The reason behind this was reported to be the 35-year-old’s conflicts with fellow stablemates. ‘Chaos’ now trains at MMA Masters gym in Miami, Florida.

And in a recent interview with Gavin Porter for UFC.com, the #3 ranked welterweight revealed who he blamed for being asked to leave ATT. Porter asked him which UFC fighters he would like to face in the future. Covington named Islam Makhachev and Conor McGregor as his desired next opponent if he wins against Edwards.

However, ‘Chaos’ added another name to the list: former ATT teammate Dustin Poirier. Covington has said that the New Orleans native was responsible for having him kicked out of the gym by complaining to the gym owner. Covington called out Poirier for a fight in the octagon, but added that the #3 ranked lightweight was too scared to face him.

“A guy by the name of Dustin Soreier [sic]. He’s the one that got me kicked out of my old gym by crying and having feelings, saying, ‘Oh, Colby is a mean person. Kick him out of our gym,’ while we get locked in an Octagon to hurt each other in our underwear on Saturday nights. I would love to square up with Dustin Soreier, but he’s afraid of me and he’s afraid of my shadow,” he said. However, Covington faces a very dangerous opponent in Leon Edwards next, who most feel would be too good for the American.

‘Chaos’ on the cusp of his career’s final title shot

Leon Edwards will defend his title for the second time at UFC 296 on December 16 in Las Vegas against Colby Covington. ‘Chaos’ has already fought for the title twice, both losses to former champion Kamaru Usman. This might very well be the final chance for the 35-year-old to become a UFC champion.

Read More: Leon Edwards Should Not Go for UFC MW Title Just Yet After Colby Covington Fight at UFC 296

Leon Edwards, for his part, is supremely confident of victory. However, many such as former champion Michael Bisping have warned that the fact this might be Covington’s last title shot will make him incredibly dangerous.

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