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Colby Covington is gearing up for a comeback and has a few potential opponents in mind for his return to the Octagon. The former interim UFC welterweight champion, who last fought in December 2023 when he lost to then-champion Leon Edwards, has kept a relatively low profile since. Having spent much of 2024 campaigning for former President Donald Trump, Colby Covington is now setting his sights on some exciting fights, including a matchup with rising star Jack Della Maddalena.
Covington recently shared his thoughts on a potential clash with Della Maddalena, who has been on a tear in the welterweight division with seven straight UFC wins and a 17-fight winning streak overall.
“We’ve been talking about this fight with Jack Della Maddalena. I think it makes a lot of sense,” Covington said.
The Australian is coming off a knockout win over Gilbert Burns and currently sits at No. 4 in the rankings, making him a strong contender for a top-tier showdown. Apart from Della Maddalena, Covington is eyeing a fight with lightweight sensation Paddy Pimblett, with whom he’s traded verbal jabs within the media. Covington didn’t hold back, stating,
“He’d never fight again. It’d be the last fight that he’d ever have in the Octagon. I would beat him silly from pillar to post.” Covington challenged Pimblett to face him at welterweight, suggesting that Pimblett is all talk.
Covington’s heated words indicate his eagerness to settle scores with the outspoken Pimblett if the British fighter is willing to move up a division. In addition to these names, Covington is considering a bout with undefeated welterweight prospect Shavkat Rakhmonov. With UFC champion Belal Muhammad recently withdrawing from a fight with Rakhmonov due to injury, Covington sees a chance to prove himself against another top welterweight. Analyzing the matchup, he commented,
“I think I can walk him down and pressure him…He hasn’t really fought a top, top contender yet.”
Covington believes his experience and relentless pace could pose a significant challenge for Rakhmonov, regardless of whether Rakhmonov wins or loses his next fight in December.
With an impressive resume and a list of potential opponents that could bring fireworks to the Octagon, Covington’s return promises to be a highly anticipated one for fans of the welterweight division.
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