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Now that UFC welterweight contender Colby Covington is officially removed from American Top Team (ATT), I can’t help but wonder if it was all worth it. If all the trash talk and publicity stunts and internet trolling was worth losing his best friend, his longtime gym, and whatever else got cashed in for his shot at the 170-pound title.
One that ended in failure.
It doesn’t sound like “Chaos” is too broken up about any of it, which means he’s too committed to this current stage personality to turn back now. Either that, or he’s a sociopath who doesn’t care about anything other than his own personal success.
“I’m not a member of the American Top Team gym in Coconut Creek,” Covington told TheScore (transcribed by Tom Taylor). “I’m a member of Colby Covington Incorporated. I’m a member of Colby Covington business, Colby Covington team. Everything. This is my team now. You can direct your complaints at me.”
Covington, 32, made it clear that he left ATT on good terms and had nothing but respect and gratitude for owner Dan Lambert. That said, fans (and opponents) should not expect a complete overhaul when it comes to his behind-the-scenes crew.
“I have some great coaches around me,” Covington said. “I haven’t changed my training partners and coaches a lot. I still have a lot of the same training partners and coaches, but we’re just on our time and doing our own thing and not affiliated with ATT in any way, shape or form. It’s the best change that could ever happen to me. It’s a blessing in disguise. I’m really happy for the timing of how everything went down.”
Speaking of timing, Covington (15-2) is expected to make his Octagon return at some point this summer. It will be interesting to see where “Chaos” fits into the 170-pound title picture after the Tyron Woodley vs. Gilbert Burns main event this weekend in Las Vegas.