Colby Covington’s attempt to stand up for his widely criticized pre-fight comments at UFC 296 ended in disappointment, leaving a bitter aftertaste as the mixed martial arts world moves towards 2024. UFC 296 was set at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, where Covington will fight. He was aiming for his third shot at winning the undisputed UFC welterweight championship.
Before the match started, Covington was hurling abuse left and right, but champion Leon Edwards remained calm until Covington crossed the line by targeting Edwards’ late father. Edwards’ father was tragically murdered when he was just nine years old. Covington’s unflattering comments prompted widespread criticism, as he threatened to drag Edwards to the “seventh layer of hell” along with his father. In the end, Covington lost a unanimous decision at UFC 296.
Ray Longo, the veteran head coach of the Serra Longo Fighting Team, didn’t put into words his disdain for Covington. Referring to Covington’s past threats against UFC commentator Jon Anik, Longo clarified: “I have no use for that guy. I just…I can’t say anything about that guy. I think what he did to Leon Edwards was terrible.”
Covington’s recent setbacks have left him with a 2-3 record in his past five fights, but all of his losses have come on the way to an undisputed title shot. Despite being away from the Octagon for nearly a year, the 35-year-old Covington entered UFC 296 with fans cheering him on, but as the fight progressed, he saw himself slip into disrepute. After the match, he boldly claimed he should have won and set his sights on Stephen “Wonderboy” Thompson as his next opponent.
Longo criticized Covington as a “leech of society” and did not hesitate to express his displeasure with his attacks on fellow combatants. Longo questioned the true value of Covington’s actions and hinted that he might regret it in the long term. In an unexpected twist, Longo drew an unconventional parallel, suggesting: “I think it cost him.” [Donald] Trump presidential election. How is it? “Oh, Mr. President, the President is here to watch over me. Who has it? The Queen of England.” Did this mother call someone a dope? I would like to see this person’s university transcript. He’s a total idiot. ”
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