Colby Covington Eyes ‘Mega Fight’ With Islam Makhachev Following UFC 296

Top Ultimate Fighting Championship fighters from 145 to 170 pounds all want a piece of champ Islam Makhachev.

Per the UFC on Wednesday, the headliner of UFC 296 on Dec. 16 will be Leon Edwards (21-3) against Colby Covington (17-3). Backlash was immediate from the mixed martial arts community as to Covington receiving the welterweight title shot, as other contenders like Belal Muhammad racked up mighty unbeaten streaks next to Colby’s one win since 2021. No stranger to controversy, “Chaos” took it in stride, already making plans for his future championship reign after claiming the belt at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

Unsurprisingly, the former interim champion has no doubt he will emerge victorious against Edwards. “Chaos” can already envision a number of "mega-fights" waiting for him once he claims the 170-pound throne. One such matchup includes a showdown against reigning lightweight titleholder Makhachev.

While calling out Makhachev for aspiring to move up to the welterweight division, Covington said in a recent interview with MMA reporter James Lynch:

"I'm talking about Islam Makhachev,” Covington remarked. “He's fighting in a little man's weight class. He's fighting little midgets, and he's barely beating midgets. I mean split decisions, split draws, it's just pathetic... He's been talking, he's been saying some things. He wants to come up to a real man's division and face a real man and America's champ. So that might present itself as well. I think that's a big super fight."

Although a bout between the two grapplers could end up quite thrilling, the likelihood of it materializing depends on many factors, including the results of their upcoming matches. For starters, Covington would to have to spring the perceived upset to secure the welterweight strap from the reigning champ Edwards. Additionally, Makhachev is gearing up to make his second title defense in a rematch against Charles Oliveira at UFC 294. Should both fighters emerge victorious in their respective outings, perhaps fans could have the chance to witness the two grappling greats go at it inside the Octagon.