The long-awaited return of Colby Covington to the octagon is set for next month at UFC 296, where he will challenge Leon Edwards for the welterweight title after more than 21 months of inactivity. Termed ‘Chaos,’ Covington’s shot at the title has stirred debates, with some branding it as ‘Dana White privilege,’ an undeserved opportunity. However, Covington countered these claims, pointing fingers at Edwards, labeling his path to the title as relatively straightforward.

In an interview with Gavin Porter of UFC.com, Covington expressed his perspective, stating, “He had the right matchups at the right time to get to that point in his career… He didn’t earn it the hard way like I did, and December 16th he’s going to find out that he’s going to get broken by the American dream.”

Covington, known for his relentless work ethic, emphasized the dedication he’s poured into his training ahead of this crucial bout. “No one has seen what I’ve been doing and how hard I’ve been working every single day… December 16th, the world is in for a rude awakening.”

The 33-year-old fighter’s last appearance was a victorious showdown against Jorge Masvidal at UFC 272. Despite critiques, including skepticism from Edwards regarding Covington’s title shot after such a prolonged absence, ‘Chaos’ remains determined to prove his worth. Witness the world boxing champions in action with attractive betting odds from Nextbet. 

Addressing his hiatus, Covington shed light on his side of the story, stating, “This sitting out bulls**t has been tough because I’ve wanted to fight… Every fight I’ve accepted… It just made me hungrier and it made me realize how much I love this sport.”

Regarding past fight opportunities, Covington mentioned accepting fights against Khamzat Chimaev, Dustin Poirier, and other contenders in the division, alleging the UFC’s difficulty in matching opponents. The dispute between Covington and Chimaev regarding a proposed fight remains unresolved, leaving their conflicting statements up for debate.

As the countdown begins for UFC 296, Colby Covington’s return to the octagon brings anticipation and a desire to prove himself against Leon Edwards, striving to put to rest any doubts surrounding his absence and secure the welterweight title. Get the latest updates from the world of boxing only on Nextbet Sports.