Dana White claims that Colby Covington is next in line to challenge Leon Edwards for the UFC’s welterweight title, after the Brit defended his belt in a five-round war against Kamaru Usman at UFC 286
UFC president Dana White has claimed that Leon Edwards’ next title defence will be against Colby Covington.
Edwards made history on Saturday night after making the first defence of his UFC welterweight title against Kamaru Usman at the O2 Arena.
The British fighter came out on top after the five-round war, with the three judges scoring it 48-46, 48-46 and 47-47 in his favour.
There were a number of celebrities and UFC fighters in attendance on the night, including Colby ‘Chaos’ Covington, who was prepared to step-in as the back-up fighter for the main event.
And, after the card was finished, company president White suggested that the American was going to be the next in line for a title shot.
Dana White claimed that Colby Covington will have the next welterweight title shot
Leon Edwards defended his welterweight title in a five-round war against Kamaru Usman
Speaking on Saturday night, White was asked whether he was open to the idea of Covington getting the next title shot, to which he replied: ‘Yeah that’s the fight that makes sense. Colby Covington came here, cut weight and was ready… he deserves the fight.’
Following his response, White was then asked whether that was being lined-up for Edwards’ next bout, and he confirmed: ‘Yeah’.
Edwards was also asked about a potential fight with Covington in the future but the Brit seemed less than impressed with the idea.
Speaking in the post-fight press conference, Edwards said: ‘I don’t know how that makes sense. He hasn’t fought for over a year and a half. I don’t get how he slides in for a world title shot.
‘I’m the king now, I’ve earned my way. I feel like I should decide who’s next,’ Edwards said.
Covington has not stepped foot in the octagon since his decision victory over Jorge Masvidal in March 2022, yet is at the top of the list of welterweight contenders.
Edwards, 31, put in a tactical masterclass against the ‘Nigerian Nightmare’ across five-rounds to earn a victory in his first ever title defence.
UFC president Dana White suggested that Covington ‘deserves’ a fight with Edwards
Reflecting on the bout, White said: ‘It was a tough fight to score. I was literally standing there and not knowing what was gonna happen.
‘I expected more wrestling out of Usman. When he did try, Leon did a great job. Especially when you compare it to the first fight.’
Edwards was given a points deduction in the third-round after grabbing onto the cage when Usman attempted a takedown.
Luckily for the Birmingham fighter, it did not prove costly as he went on to produce a stunning performance and secure the historic win at the O2 Arena.