Tag: UFC 296

Gilbert Burns casts doubt on Colby Covington’s claim that he broke his foot during UFC 296 title fight

Gilbert BurnsGilbert Burns is calling bullsh*t on Colby Covington’s claim that he broke his foot in the first round of…

Gilbert Burns

Gilbert Burns is calling bullsh*t on Colby Covington’s claim that he broke his foot in the first round of his UFC 296 title fight with Leon Edwards.

After nearly two years on the shelf, Covington returned to the Octagon in December and walked straight into a third opportunity to claim welterweight gold. After coming up short on two separate occasions against then-titleholder Kamaru Usman, ‘Chaos’ was confident he had the skills to dethrone reigning champion Leon Edwards. Unfortunately, confidence was not enough. ‘Rocky’ controlled the fight for 25 minutes, stymying Covington’s offense and walking away with a decisive unanimous decision.

Perhaps unsurprisingly, Covington offered up an excuse for his lackluster performance, claiming that he had broken his foot in the opening round which prevented him from utilizing his signature ground game. However, Covington offered up little evidence to prove that he had sustained any sort of injury — aside from a questionable image of an X-ray

Speaking with Hyon Ko of The AllStar, fellow welterweight contender Gilbert Burns cast doubt on Covington’s supposed injury, revealing that he himself saw Covington walking around Miami with no cast or noticeable issue following the fight with Edwards.

“He was going everywhere,” Burns said. “We saw him walking everywhere. The X-ray, I didn’t see his name on the X-ray. We saw this guy walking everywhere in Miami, playing poker. Going everywhere. I didn’t see no cast. I didn’t see anything so I don’t know. It’s very hard to believe anything that Colby says. You don’t know when he’s being true. When he’s being a character.”

Many MMA pundits, including those who dubbed themselves Colby Covington fans, were quick to accuse the California native of simply “not showing up” on fight night. Though there may be some truth to the statement, Burns believes that only serves to discredit what Leon Edwards was able to accomplish against his outspoken opposition.

“A lot of guys said he didn’t show up,” Burns added. “I think he did show up, but Leon just shut him down. People don’t give Leon a lot of credit, but I think he’s very good and he just shut the guy down.”

Gilbert Burns Believes Covington’s Days of talking Himself into title fights are over

What comes next for Covington is anyone’s guess. Following his loss to Edwards, he called for a potential meeting with former two-time title challenger Stephen ‘Wonderboy’ Thompson, who had lost to Shavkat Rakhmonov shortly before his showdown with Edwards. Covington has also called for a fight with rising welterweight contender Ian Garry after the pair traded some verbal jabs in the media.

Either way, Burns is confident that Covington has seen his last UFC title opportunity, making him essentially irrelevant to every fighter who is working their way toward a shot at championship gold.

“I saw a couple of things that he might fight Ian Garry or me,” Burns said. “That guy’s not relevant. The way he shows up every two years without fighting. I’m not even thinking of this guy. I called this guy out so many times. He had so many opportunities. Now my focus is on Jack. After Jack, we’ll see, but I’m not [looking past] Jack. He’s gonna be very hungry, but I just think Colby Covington got shut down real bad and I think he’s done.

“After the fight [with Leon Edwards], he called out ‘Wonderboy’ who had just lost… He’s done. He’s never fighting for the title again so why [would I] fight him now?”

Colby Covington remains confident despite lopsided loss at UFC 296: ‘I know I’m the best welterweight on earth’

Colby Covington claims he's still the best welterweight on earth despite loss at UFC 296Former interim welterweight champion, Colby Covington claims that despite his championship fight loss to arch-rival, Leon Edwards at UFC…

Colby Covington claims he's still the best welterweight on earth despite loss at UFC 296

Former interim welterweight champion, Colby Covington claims that despite his championship fight loss to arch-rival, Leon Edwards at UFC 296 back in December, he is still the greatest welterweight fighter on planet earth right now.

Covington, the current number five ranked welterweight contender, headlined UFC 296 back in December in his third attempt at landing undisputed divisional gold. 

Suffering a one-sided unanimous decision loss to the Birmingham native, Covington, who claimed he suffered a fractured foot just seconds into the first round of his headliner with the welterweight best, provided x-ray imaging of the injury sustained at UFC 296.

“The result wasn’t what I wanted,” Colby Covington told Submission Radio. “It wasn’t my night, but I broke my foot right away and couldn’t plant or float off it to use the wrestling and pressure I planned to use. I didn’t want to disclose this information until I had the x-rays back home, but here they are.”

“I knew straight away it was bad because, it was the first kick I threw,” Colby Covington explained. “It landed right on his (Leon Edwards) elbow. He was in [an] orthodox [stance], so I kind of got a little overzealous, and I wanted to rip a high kick to his orthodox side, because I didnd’t know if he would be defensively sound like he is from southpaw. …And haters will still find a way to hate on me fighting 25 minutes on one leg while landing over a hundred more strikes than Leon.”

Colby Covington claims he’s the best welterweight on earth

And despite his lopsided loss to Edwards, Covington has claimed in the aftermath of his December blemish, that he’s the best welterweight on the planet today.

“I am the title of the division, I’m the welterweight savior,” Colby Covington explained. “…There were a couple of tiny little bruises on my leg, big f*cking deal, I landed double strikes as him. I know I’m the welterweight champion, I know I’m the best welterweight on earth. Just because three judges didn’t decide it for me that night, that is not going to affect my future and how I train and my preparation every day. I work hard, blue-collar American, I’m 1 24/7, 365 fighter. I’m not a part-time fighter.” 

Who do you want to see Colby Covington fight in his return to the Octagon?

Colby Covington shares X-Ray image of fractured foot suffered in UFC 296 title fight loss: ‘I broke it right away’

Colby Covington reveals x-rays of fractured foot suffered at UFC 296 I broke it right awayFormer interim welterweight champion, Colby Covington has provided x-ray images of his fractured foot suffered in the opening round…

Colby Covington reveals x-rays of fractured foot suffered at UFC 296 I broke it right away

Former interim welterweight champion, Colby Covington has provided x-ray images of his fractured foot suffered in the opening round of his UFC 296 title challenge loss to Leon Edwards in December, claiming he fractured it after landing a strike on the former’s elbow – with the first kick attempt of the bout.

Covington, the current number five ranked welterweight challenger, most recently headlined UFC 296 back in December in an undisputed title chase against incumbent gold holder, Edwards in the pair’s long-anticipated grudge fight.

Failing in his third attempt to land the undisputed championship, Covington dropped a one-sided unanimous decision loss to Edwards over the course of five rounds.

And voicing his displeasure at the result awarded to Edwards in the British technician’s lopsided performance, Covington claimed he fractured his foot with his very first kick attempt in his main event fight with the undisputed titleholder.

Colby Covington reveals x-rays of foot injury suffered at UFC 296

Two months on, however, the MMA Masters trainee has now provided x-ray images of his foot in the aftermath of UFC 296 – revealing the fracture.

“The result wasn’t what I wanted,” Colby Covington told Submission Radio. “It wasn’t my night, but I broke my foot right away and couldn’t plant or float off it to use the wrestling and pressure I planned to use. I didn’t want to disclose this information until I had the x-rays back home, but here they are.”

“I knew straight away it was bad because, it was the first kick I threw,” Colby Covington explained. “It landed right on his (Leon Edwards) elbow. He was in [an] orthodox [stance], so I kind of got a little overzealous, and I wanted to rip a high kick to his orthodox side, because I didnd’t know if he would be defensively sound like he is from southpaw. …And haters will still find a way to hate on me fighting 25 minutes on one leg while landing over a hundred more strikes than Leon.” 

Who do you want to see Colby Covington fight next?

Tony Ferguson tore his MCL ahead of UFC 296 loss to Paddy Pimblett, undergoes surgery: ‘No despair, just repair’

Tony FergusonTony Ferguson blew out his MCL ahead of a UFC 296 return against Paddy Pimblett in December. El Cucuy‘…

Tony Ferguson

Tony Ferguson blew out his MCL ahead of a UFC 296 return against Paddy Pimblett in December.

El Cucuy‘ is currently tied with Octagon legend BJ Penn for the longest losing streak in UFC history after suffering his seventh-straight loss at the promotion’s final pay-per-view of 2023. Determined to get back into the win column against the fast-rising Liverpudlian, Ferguson instead succumbed to a unanimous decision defeat following another lackluster performance.

And while Ferguson makes no excuses for once again coming up short, the former interim titleholder revealed on Instagram that he recently underwent surgery to repair a torn MCL that he sustained before his fight with Pimblett.

“Two weeks before Thanksgiving I f*cked my sh*t up during a practice sesh, MCL tear,” Ferguson wrote. “I kept it to myself and put it behind me ‘til after the fight. I trained like no one knew, sh*t hurt so good. Three weeks before fight time told a few of my crew. Nothing changed.

“I recently took care of my leg (my MCL) and had surgery last Thursday, one week after my elbow/arm surgery (both arthroscopic). Thought I would get them both done and double-down. Got it over with so I can do what I do best. Beyond rage is an understatement. I feel no despair, just repair.”

Tony Ferguson has no intention of retiring

Ferguson, who is just a few weeks shy of turning 40, has been urged by practically everyone, including UFC CEO Dana White, to hang up his gloves. ‘El Cucuy’ has refused to do so, suggesting that he is “just barely hitting” his prime.

Despite his string of losses, Tony Ferguson is a future first-ballot UFC Hall of Famer, having at one time amassed a 12-fight win streak in one of the promotion’s most loaded divisions. He holds victories over notables, including Anthony Pettis, Donald ‘Cowboy’ Cerrone, Rafael dos Anjos, Edson Barboza, and Josh Thomson.

Joe Rogan critiques Colby Covington’s UFC 296 performance: ‘He talked so much, he didn’t look good’

Joe Rogan critiques Colby Covington after UFC 296 he talked so much he didn't look goodStalwart color-commenator, Joe Rogan has claimed that while in his opinion, former interim welterweight title challenger, Colby Covington is…

Joe Rogan critiques Colby Covington after UFC 296 he talked so much he didn't look good

Stalwart color-commenator, Joe Rogan has claimed that while in his opinion, former interim welterweight title challenger, Colby Covington is a “master” at irking out his opponents ahead of fight night, that strategy blew up in his face during his UFC 296 title siege against Leon Edwards last month.

Covington, a former interim welterweight champion and now-three-time undisputed divisional title challenger, suffered a one-sided unanimous decision loss to Birmingham technician, Edwards in their UFC 296 title grudge match.

Joe Rogan befuddled by Colby Covington’s UFC 296 display

And receiving mass criticizm after targeting Edwards’ slain father in the pre-fight build-up between the two, Covington’s performance on the mic backed him into a corner against a “sharp” Edwards, and ultimately blew up in his proverbial face.

“Colby (Covington) talked so much sh*t,” Joe Rogan said on his podcast, The Joe Rogan Experience. “It was f*cked up. That’s Colby. He’s the master at getting under people’s skin, but I think in that fight it backfired. He didn’t look good.”

“I was impressed with Leon (Edwards),” Joe Rogan explained. “I think that the problem is that Colby fight is Leon. He was so dangerous. He was so sharp. He is so technical on the feet.” 

Targeting a slew of fights for his comeback to the Octagon, outspoken Clovis native, Covington has name-dropped the likes of former multiple-time title challenger, Stephen Thompson, as well as unbeaten Irish starlet, Ian Garry – once again poking fun at the Dubliner’s relationship with his wife and manager, Layla Anna-Lee. 

“There is one guy that is a legitimate cuck and I’ve called him out for that,” Colby Covington said of Ian Garry during a recent interview. “I found out that this had happened, the girls as selling a book called ‘WAG’ – which means ‘wifes and girlfriends’. So, she was promoting that she had a boyfriend and she had a husband. It shouldn’t be allowed, it’s pretty nasty behaviour.”

“He was pretty angry,” Colby Covington explained. “I think he probably wants to settle the differences in the Octagon, and it just so happens, I like to fight in the Octagon,” Colby Covington explained. “So, if it needs to happen one day, I’d be honored to settle that.”

What’s next for Colby Covington after his one-sided UFC 296 loss?

Dricus Du Plessis reveals conversation with dana white about pressing charges against Sean Strickland

Dricus Du Plessis talks Sean Strickland brawlDricus Du Plessis spoke with UFC CEO Dana White about potentially pressing charges against Sean Strickland after the reigning…

Dricus Du Plessis talks Sean Strickland brawl

Dricus Du Plessis spoke with UFC CEO Dana White about potentially pressing charges against Sean Strickland after the reigning 185-pound champ attacked him in the crowd at the promotion’s final pay-per-view of 2023.

Following a heated verbal confrontation at the UFC Seasonal Press Conference last month, tempers boiled over inside T-Mobile Arena when Strickland and Du Plessis were seated in the same section for UFC 296. After politely asking Gilbert Burns’ family to move out of the way, Strickland lept over the seats and attacked Du Plessis, giving fight fans a preview of their highly anticipated middleweight title clash scheduled to go down on January 20 in Toronto.

Both fighters walked away from the incident unscathed, but given that Strickland initiated the scuffle, Du Plessis was given the option to press charges.

“I know Dana came to me and said, ‘Listen, this is the case. We’re really sorry about this,” Du Plessis told MMA Junkie. “Obviously, the police had him and charges can be pressed because that’s assault. It’s outside of a professional arena. They didn’t try to convince me otherwise at all. They literally said, ‘If you feel like that was uncalled for, we completely understand if you want to press charges and take this further.’

“I said, ‘No, no, no, no, no. Please no.’ We are two fighters. It was a good old scrap like we did before we became professionals. I just paused and was like, ‘I would even take the blame if that’s possible, just to make sure that nothing happens to him’” (h/t BJPenn.com).

Had ‘Stillknocks’ opted to press charges, it likely would have spelled the end of their anticipated title tilt in The Great White North.

“We know to come to Canada, they are very strict,” Du Plessis continued. “They are very, very strict in getting into the country. I just wanted to make sure that if the fight wasn’t in jeopardy. I never even think of Sean Strickland trying to get away. He’s the type of guy who’s always game. He’s a guy who will go out on his shield and do it with honor.”

“I took on his manliness. I was in his face. I told him, ‘What are you going to do about it?’ He stood up for himself. That’s what a real man does. I’m happy for him. I’m glad he has that in him. No matter what the situation, what the repercussions, he didn’t think about it. He said, ‘I’m standing up for myself,’ and rightfully so. That’s where the respect comes from because that’s exactly what I would’ve done.”

Dricus Du Plessis Is Ready to Drop the drama and focus on winning gold

With fight night closing in, Du Plessis is content to leave all the drama behind and focus on capturing his first UFC title.

“I hope it’s over now, but there’s not going to be one-ups. There are no one-ups. What’s going to happen, is going to happen. We’ll see how it plays out, but right now my focus is on the fight. I’m not here to be funny. I’m not here to try and create something that there’s not. I’m here to be the next champion of the world. That’s why I’m here. I’m not going to be here to try to one-up or get even further. I’m going to do what I’m going to do and he’s going to do what he’s going to do. But right now, it’s almost senseless to try to create more hype.”

“The hype has been created. That took care of itself. Right now, for me, this is business. The whole fight week is business. Everything I handle, I’ll handle it like business. Saturday night, I’ll be signing on the dotted line, closing the deal.”

UFC 297 will emanate from Scotiabank Arena. Strickland defends his title for the first time since scoring a stunning unanimous decision victory against Israel Adesanya to claim the crown in September. Du Plessis goes into his first title opportunity backed by six-straight wins inside the Octagon. Stillknocks’ earned his shot with a brutal second-round knockout of Robert Whittaker at UFC 290.