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Despite their bad blood, Colby Covington is not looking past Tyron Woodley this weekend.
Colby Covington is a big favorite against Tyron Woodley this weekend at UFC Vegas 11, but “Chaos” feels people are ruling out the former champ too easily.
Woodley (19-5-1) is currently riding consecutive decision losses to Kamaru Usman and Gilbert Burns. The manner of these losses have led to criticism of Woodley, with many thinking “The Chosen One” is past his time in the welterweight division.
Talking to TSN’s Aaron Bronsteter, Covington said the betting odds don’t reflect how close his fight with Woodley could be.
”I can’t look at the odds, that’s not going to be reflective of what the fight is going to be like and how close the fight could be,” Covington said. “If I look at the odds, it just looks like it’s going to be a cakewalk and I’m just going to walk through him. Realistically, that’s not what it’s going to be because this is such a heated rivalry.
“I can’t look at people saying “Oh, he’s past his time”, he’s not past his time. He’s 38 years old, Daniel Cormier is 41 and he just fought for a world title. Why aren’t people saying Daniel Cormier was past his time?”
In a fight between two bitter rivals, Covington feels that a finish will warrant him another shot at the welterweight title. Covington hasn’t fought since losing out on 170-pound gold against current champion Kamaru Usman back in December 2019. The loss to Usman was Covington’s first in four years.
“He’s [Woodley] been beat in his last two fights by decision but no one’s finished him. I feel like if I go finish Tyron Woodley on Saturday night I cement myself to get another title shot, or a fight with “Street Judas” Masvidal.”
UFC Vegas 11 takes place this Saturday, September 19th. Covington vs. Woodley will headline the card.