Michael Chiesa Calls Out Colby Covington After UFC Abu Dhabi Triumph

UFC on ABC 7 saw Chiesa rebound from a three-fight slump with a first-round submission win over Tony Ferguson at Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi. “Maverick” subsequently called out former interim welterweight champ Colby Covington.

Chiesa claims that the matchup has nothing to do with rankings. The Spokane, Washington, native wants to fight Springfield, Oregon’s Covington in order to determine the best welterweight in the Pacific Northwest.

“I want to fight Colby Covington. I’ve been saying this for years,” Chiesa said in a post-fight interview. “That guy can sit on the sidelines and say whatever he wants. I’m not chasing the ranking. I don’t give a s—t. I just want to find out who is the best fighter. Who is the best welterweight in the Pacific Northwest? I know he resides in Dade County, Mr. 305, but let's find out who's the best in the Northwest. Is it me or is it you? That's what I want to find out. Are you going to idly sit down and do nothing? Or are you going to come back and fight? Keep your ranking, I don't give a s—t. I just want to find out who's the best in the Northwest.”

Covington is 2-3 in his last five, with all three losses in failed title bids. “Chaos” hasn’t competed since a unanimous decision loss against Leon Edwards at UFC 296 in December 2023.

While Chiesa accuses Covington of inactivity, “The Ultimate Fighter” Season 15 winner has been primarily focused on his analyst duties recently, as Saturday marked just his second Octagon appearance since 2021.

Reference: https://www.sherdog.com/news/news/Michael-Chiesa-Calls-Out-Colby-Covington-After-UFC-Abu-Dhabi-Triumph-194547