Key Takeaways:

• Colby Covington, known as “Chaos” in the UFC, is making his comeback for a potential welterweight title run at UFC 296.
• His return bout is set for December 16th in Las Vegas, where he will face reigning champion Leon Edwards.
• Covington had been sidelined since his unanimous decision victory over Jorge Masvidal in March 2022, during which a legal dispute between the two fighters unfolded.
• He considers Islam Makhachev, the current lightweight champion, as a potential challenger if he secures the welterweight title.
• Covington remains critical of Makhachev’s past performances, highlighting his lone defeat to Adriano Martins in 2015.
• His comeback and possible matchups against fighters like Makhachev add excitement and anticipation to the UFC welterweight division.

Colby Covington Eyes UFC Welterweight Title

Colby Covington, also known as “Chaos” in the UFC, is preparing for a potential welterweight title run. After being sidelined since his unanimous decision victory over Jorge Masvidal at UFC 272 in March 2022, Covington is set to return to the octagon at UFC 296 on December 16th in Las Vegas. In this event, the reigning champion, Leon Edwards, will defend his title against Covington.

Colby Covington’s striking is heavily underrated pic.twitter.com/RKHTvvdYM2

— Aqua 🦆 (@AquaMMA___) September 19, 2023

A Legal Battle and Covington’s Comeback

Covington’s time away from the octagon has been eventful, marked by a legal dispute with Masvidal. Their rivalry escalated beyond the fight when Masvidal allegedly assaulted Covington at a Miami steakhouse, leading to ongoing legal proceedings. Despite Covington’s claim of suffering brain damage during the altercation, he is now ready to make his comeback.

Colby Covington says Khamzat Chimaev Ran to another Division and it was because of him🗿 #UFC296 #MMATwitter pic.twitter.com/r9zLGG6N8k

— Jmag (@jmagings) September 22, 2023

Potential Showdown with Islam Makhachev

As Covington eyes the welterweight title, he sees the dominant Dagestani fighter, Islam Makhachev, as a potential first challenger if he manages to dethrone Edwards. Makhachev recently captured the lightweight title at UFC 280 with a second-round arm-triangle submission against Charles Oliveira. In his first title defense, Makhachev faced featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 284 and secured a unanimous decision victory.

🚨| 34 days left

Islam Makhachev vs Charles Oliveira 2

How much of difference will it make without Khabib in his corner? 🤔 #ufc294 pic.twitter.com/xrL5pfzNFM

— ISLAM PFP #1 🐐 👑 (@ISLAM_PFP_1) September 18, 2023

Covington, however, remains unimpressed by Makhachev’s performances, particularly highlighting Makhachev’s lone defeat to Adriano Martins in October 2015. Covington even revealed that he had assisted Martins in preparing for that fight.

The Challenge Ahead

As Covington prepares for his return at UFC 296, potential matchups against fighters like Makhachev have generated significant interest among UFC fans, making his comeback highly anticipated in the welterweight division. Covington’s critique of Makhachev and his determination to secure the welterweight title add intrigue to the mix, promising exciting developments in the UFC’s competitive landscape.

The post Colby Covington Discusses Potential Fights and Critiques Makhachev appeared first on Sports Betting Day - Best Bookmakers and Betting Sites.

Key Takeaways:

• Sean Strickland secured a surprising victory over Israel Adesanya to claim the UFC middleweight title, marking a major upset in championship history.
• Experts debate whether Strickland’s win qualifies as the most impressive title upset in UFC history.
• Questions arise about the state of the UFC middleweight division, with the belt changing hands frequently.
• Insightful analysis on what Israel Adesanya should consider for his next steps after the loss.
• A discussion on Valentina Shevchenko’s place among the greatest female fighters in MMA history.

Strickland’s Historic Victory Over Adesanya

In a shocking turn of events at UFC 293, Sean Strickland emerged victorious over Israel Adesanya to claim the UFC middleweight title. Adesanya, widely regarded as one of the greatest middleweights in the sport’s history, faced a comprehensive unanimous decision defeat at the hands of Strickland. This upset has sparked debates about its place in UFC history.

Sean Strickland beating & bullying Israel Adesanya 🐐 pic.twitter.com/REzaw1Ua1l

— Homelander MMA (@HomelanderMMA) September 10, 2023

Raimondi: This victory is “kinda real” when it comes to being the most impressive title upset in UFC history. Strickland’s win was marked by a unanimous decision victory, unlike some other major upsets that resulted from quick finishes. The manner in which Strickland dominated Adesanya across five rounds cannot be denied.

Okamoto: While remarkable, this upset doesn’t take the top spot. Past upsets like Matt Serra’s knockout of Georges St-Pierre or Holly Holm’s victory over Ronda Rousey were more impactful. However, Strickland’s performance was undoubtedly impressive.

Wagenheim: Strickland’s victory was mighty impressive, but it doesn’t rank as the most impressive upset in UFC championship history. Several iconic upsets have occurred over the years, and in each case, the reigning champion hadn’t recently suffered a knockout, as Adesanya did.

UFC 293 : Israel Adesanya vs Sean Strickland Full Fight #SeanStrickland #Adesanya #Strickland #UFC293 pic.twitter.com/Eu1f5q6F72

— Nguyễn Thanh Tùng (@Fanofshows88) September 10, 2023

The State of the UFC Middleweight Division

With the middleweight title changing hands frequently, questions arise about the division’s competitiveness. While Sean Strickland currently holds the belt, many believe Israel Adesanya remains the best in the division, making it “up for grabs.”

Wagenheim: Other divisions, such as light heavyweight and women’s bantamweight, are even more “up for grabs” due to vacant titles. Middleweight, at least, has a champion to chase.

Raimondi: The status of the middleweight division depends on Adesanya’s trajectory. If he returns and regains the title, the division might not be as open as it seems. Khamzat Chimaev also awaits as a potential contender.

1 year ago today…

The last time we saw Khamzat Chimaev in the Octagon pic.twitter.com/AVvqyV2CbR

— Homelander MMA (@HomelanderMMA) September 10, 2023

Okamoto: The division is considered “up for grabs” mainly because Strickland doesn’t dominate it like Adesanya did. However, other divisions, such as women’s bantamweight and bantamweight, offer more parity and uncertainty.

What’s Next for Israel Adesanya?

Following his loss, experts advise Israel Adesanya to take a break and focus on mental recovery. His recent schedule, high-pressure fights, and a knockout loss necessitate time away from the sport.

Wagenheim: Adesanya should prioritize rest and reflection. Mentally, he appeared to lack motivation during his last fight, suggesting a need to rediscover his passion.

@adesanya.tuf Final face to face🔥#ufcfightnight #mmafighter #israeladesanya #stylebender #fyp #on #mma #ufc #madisonsquaregarden #adesanya #fun #адесанья #fypシ ♬ оригинальный звук – Israel Adesanya Fan Page🥷

Okamoto: Adesanya should take a break from the sport, recharge, and return when the time is right. His relentless schedule and competitive pressure have taken a toll.

Raimondi: A break is crucial for Adesanya, given his recent intense activity. His remarkable legacy in the sport deserves time away for recuperation.

Valentina Shevchenko’s Place Among Female Fighters

Valentina Shevchenko’s remarkable reign as the UFC women’s flyweight champion, marked by seven consecutive title defenses, earns her a place among the greatest female fighters in MMA history.

Okamoto: Shevchenko ranks fourth among the greatest women’s fighters, with Amanda Nunes, Ronda Rousey, and Cris Cyborg ahead. Her legacy continues to evolve.

Raimondi: Probably in the top five. Amanda Nunes is at the top of the list. Ronda Rousey has to be on there somewhere. Cris Cyborg. Shevchenko is among those names, for sure. Shevchenko’s reign as the UFC women’s flyweight champion was historic. She had seven successful title defenses, the most consecutive title defenses by any woman in UFC history. Only Nunes had more total (eight) across two different divisions.

Wagenheim: While not the top-ranked female fighter, Shevchenko’s impressive run as a dominant champion solidifies her place among the sport’s legends.

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