Colby Covington on Why Fighting Jorge Masvidal “Wouldn’t be a Big Deal”

Colby Covington still has some work to do before a fight with Jorge Masvidal materializes. But, recently “Chaos” made it clear he’s willing to battle his teammate if the UFC’s welterweight title is on the line.

Masvidal has bombed his way to the top of the UFC’s 170 division in 2019, thanks to KO wins over Darren Till and Ben Askren. As you know, Masvidal took out Askren in electrifying, and record fashion at UFC 239 this past weekend, and as a result, many people believe he’s the front runner for a title shot.

Of course, another fighter who is in the title shot mix is the former interim champ Covington. The controversial welterweight is set to take on Robbie Lawler on August 3rd, and if he wins, Covington will also be knocking on the title shot door. So, if both Masvidal and Covington keep winning, it seems clear a showdown between the ATT members is inevitable.

Well, recently Convington spoke with Ariel Helwani, and when asked about the possibility of fighting Masvidal, “Chaos” said this (quotes via MMA Mania):

“We would dread it, but let’s be honest, we have been beating each other up and fighting each other for free the last eight years at American Top Team (ATT), so to go out there and get a seven-figure paycheck for both of us and set ourselves up for the rest of our lives, it wouldn’t be a big deal.”

“We are fighters at heart and that’s what we do and that’s what we love to do. Fighters fight, man, and there is only one man in this business and that’s why we are here is to be that man. We are here to be at the top of the mountain, to have this (the UFC belt). So whoever wants to come get it, come get it, boy. I will take on all comers.”

Covington isn’t the only fighter to express this sentiment, while discussing whether they’d be willing to fight a teammate / friend. After all, the compensation that comes with being a UFC champ, versus being a contender, is pretty significant in most cases. Of course, there’s also a legacy component here as well,  in terms of adding a UFC championship to your resume.

But, as noted above, a lot has to fall into place first, before Covington – Masvidal can be tabled. Will Masvidal fight current champ Kamaru Usman next? And if so, will he win? Will Covington get past Lawler? And if he does, will he wait for a title shot? Or might he fight Usman next instead of Masvidal?