Colby Covington has announced his intention to return to the UFC cage this summer, but he doubts it will be against Ian Machado Garry, an Irish fighter undefeated in seven UFC bouts and 14-0 overall.
Machado Garry has actively campaigned for a fight against Covington, but despite claims of sending bout agreements to both parties, Covington seems hesitant about the proposed matchup. Initially, Machado Garry planned for the fight to be the co-main event alongside Conor McGregor’s UFC 303 matchup with Michael Chandler.
Earlier this year, Covington expressed interest in the fight but laid out certain conditions that needed to be met before he agreed to terms. He emphasized the need for seriousness in business dealings and recounted an incident where Machado Garry pulled out of a press conference on the day Covington was scheduled to appear, which Covington interpreted as a lack of seriousness on Machado Garry’s part.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding a potential matchup with Machado Garry, Covington remains focused on returning to the octagon this summer. He sees this as a stepping stone toward a rematch with welterweight champion Leon Edwards, whom he faced last year and lost to via judges’ decision. Covington believes he has unfinished business with Edwards, citing an injury sustained early in their fight as a significant factor in his loss.
Covington’s determination to return to championship contention is evident, as he views his upcoming fight as a pathway back to challenging for the 170-pound title. He emphasizes his commitment to the UFC and his track record of showing up for fights, even in the face of injuries and illness. Despite the setbacks, Covington remains resolute in his pursuit of regaining prominence in the welterweight division.
