C. Covington (pictured) fights for the welterweight title at UFC 296. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram
Colby Covington 's disappointing performance at UFC 296 caught the attention of Ben Askren. The former Bellator and ONE Championship legend believes that nervousness and insecurity hampered the 'bad boy's' performance, as he was largely dominated by champion Leon Edwards in the title fight. At the event, the American was defeated by unanimous decision.
“It was strange. I don’t know what his strategy was. It seemed like he was afraid of Leon’s striking. He (Covington) hadn’t fought for almost two years and his last fight was against Jorge Masvidal , an opponent he knew was superior. So, he hadn’t been in a real fight for two years. (…) In the meantime, I believe he wanted to live a celebrity routine, and not the training routine he always had. Maybe that caused doubts about his talent and, from that, the hesitation arose,” said Askren, in an interview with ' MiddleEasy '.
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Famous for his provocations and acidic statements, Covington had another golden opportunity in Ultimate. Facing Edwards, the American was making his third attempt to wear the welterweight (up to 77,1kg) belt.
At 35 years old and criticized by Dana White after the event, the American has an uncertain future when it comes to a new opportunity to fight for the group title.
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