Colby Covington on Mediocre Performance at UFC 296: ‘A Little Ring Rust Had To Do With It’

To no one’s surprise, Colby Covington was not contrite in defeat.

Covington was defeated convincingly by welterweight champion Leon Edwards in the main event of last night’s UFC 296. After building his reputation in the cage on extraordinary cardio, Covington’s pace was ordinary.

“It was an easy fight,” said Covington. “I don’t feel like I have a scratch on me.”

Discussing the poor performance was no more than a slight priority for Covington, who continued to change the subject to former United States President Donald Trump.

It is hard to imagine any other high-profile athlete deflecting questions and instead opting to discuss politics–but the final image of Trump at UFC 296, where he was extremely well-received by the crowd in Las Vegas, was one where he walked out while Covington again expressed his affinity for Trump.

Donald Trump leaving the arena in the middle of Colby's speech 💀
🎥 hayjivepicks pic.twitter.com/L3gcKyFcai
— Home of Fight (@Home_of_Fight) December 17, 2023

“The judges hate me because I support Trump,” said Covington, who noted that he had not spoken with Trump after the fight. “I haven’t had a chance to talk to him yet.”

Edwards entered this bout especially angry over Covington insulting his deceased father, and he intended to humble him by defeating a world-class wrestler by grappling. Both men delivered two takedowns, likely a point of pride for Edwards. Yet though Edwards controlled the first four rounds, it was his insistence on grappling that allowed Covington to seize an advantage in the fifth, where he had full control in the final minutes of the fight.

Covington’s game plan appeared flawed, as he did not push the action until the third round. Edwards switched to the left leg in the lead, immediately throwing off Covington’s timing.

Looking slow and old for the first time in his career, the 35-year-old Covington did not attempt a takedown until the third round.

“I’ve had a long layoff, so I think a little ring rust had to do with it,” admitted Covington, whose prior fight to this bout took place in March of 2022. “I made a bad adjustment early on. I will come back stronger.”

This was Covington’s third shot at the welterweight title. He lost to Kamaru Usman in his first two attempts, and now appears to be removed entirely from the title picture after the sobering loss to Edwards.

“They all sting,” said Covington. “They all don’t feel good.”

Sean Strickland and Dricus Du Plessis Brawl In Stands at UFC 296

During the post-UFC 296 press conference, Covington called out Stephen “Wonderboy” Thompson–and even stating he did not see the value in fighting Shavkat Rakhmonov. Whether that can main-event a pay-per-view is unlikely, but it would add value to a card.

“I’ve got some great people in my corner that are going to lift me up and make sure that I come back from this stronger,” said Covington. “This is another lesson in life. That’s what life’s all about. Learning lessons and coming back better from them.”