In a shocking turn of events at the UFC 296 pre-fight ceremony, No. 3-ranked welterweight contender Colby Covington stirred controversy with boorish antics that went beyond the usual pre-fight banter. During his mic time, Covington not only stumbled through his scripted routine but also took a disgraceful shot at Leon Edwards' deceased father.
"On Saturday night, I'm going to bring you to a place you never want to be," Covington provocatively declared. "I'm going to bring you to the seventh layer of hell. We'll say 'what's up' to your dad while we're there."
Unsurprisingly, this led to a physical altercation onstage, marking one of the darker moments in UFC press conference history.
Following the incident, the MMA community, particularly on Twitter, expressed unanimous disdain for Covington's reprehensible behavior. Even in a sport where fighters are known for their verbal warfare, Covington's actions crossed a line, leaving his fellow combatants unimpressed.
Covington also targeted Ian Garry, who withdrew from UFC 296 due to illness. Former middleweight champion Robert Whittaker commented, "I feel like Colby’s edge is played out a little bit. He's like a real-life keyboard warrior, and I think that's been played out a bit."
UFC 296, Colby Covington, Leon Edwards, pre-fight controversy, welterweight title, MMA, UFC news, T-Mobile Arena, pay-per-view, Octagon drama.That’s why I been saying masvidal Was right in giving this bozo brain damage and a chipped tooth
— Belal Muhammad (@bullyb170) December 15, 2023
I hope Leon delivers one of the most brutal knocks will have ever seen on Saturday!!!! That comment about Leons father was so low and pathetic bro somebody like that should never have a belt!!!
— Jamahal Hill (@JamahalH) December 15, 2023
I think Colby Covington took it too far at the press conference today 😡
— Rampage Jackson (@Rampage4real) December 15, 2023
I think Colby Covington took it too far at the press conference today 😡
— Rampage Jackson (@Rampage4real) December 15, 2023
As the MMA world waits for the UFC 296 pay-per-view headliner on December 16, 2023, at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, the focus remains on Leon Edwards, who seeks redemption and aims to retain his welterweight title, potentially leaving Covington 0-3 in 170-pound title fights.
Until then, the anticipation is high for more drama and controversies in the lead-up to this headline event.