Dana White: Colby Covington’s “Definitely in” to Fight Tyron Woodley

Dana White isn’t reporting that Tyron Woodley has passed on fighting Colby Covington, as the latter has claimed. But, the UFC President has confirmed the polarizing “Chaos” has agreed to face his former rival.

White says Covington’s “definitely in” to fight Woodley

If you’ve followed Woodley and Covington in recent years, you know the former teammates have formed a bitter rivalry. When Woodley was the UFC’s welterweight champ, both men claimed they got the better of each other in sparring.

Woodley had other opponents in mind during the early part of his reign. But, eventually, both fighters accused the other of ducking their grudge match.

Well, more recently, Covington shared out the image below, which shows a bout agreement for an August 22nd fight with Woodley. But, the controversial fighter also accused Woodley of running from the fight.

In advance of UFC Fight Island 2, White was asked about whether the UFC was working on the match-up, and he confirmed they are (quotes via MMA Fighting).

“It’s a fight we’re working on,” White said. “Listen, Woodley said he wanted to fight him. Woodley’s been talking about fighting Colby Covington since Colby fought Usman, so it is true that Colby signed the deal and he’s ready to go. We’re just waiting on Woodley.”

Woodley, however, was quick to respond. According to Woodley, he’s more than willing to fight Covington, but not on August 22nd (quote via MMA Fighting).

“My answer to whether I would fight Colby is eternally yes,” Woodley said. “At 96 years old in a nursing home it’s yes! He said no six times and now creates a date that works for him? F*ck out of here.”

“…“I literally treated it like every other bluff and told them quit contacting me until this b*tch signed a bout agreement,” Woodley said. “Never thought he would sign. September/October, I’ll get around to exterminating that roach. Let me call the UFC and see what’s crackin.”

Sowhat about Covington’s claim Woodley’s ducking him?

White was also asked to weigh-in on the back-and-forth the rivals have had, and all the ducking claims.

“I’m always trying to make the fights that should be made or people want to see,” White said. “People can say whatever they want publicly, but behind the scenes it’s another story. I can’t speak honestly about what’s going on, I’m not involved with that, I’m in here, but we’re trying to make Woodley vs. Covington. Covington is definitely in.”

So, it will be interesting to see if this fight finally happens. It’s a crucial one for Woodley, as he’s coming off consecutive, one-sided losses to Kamaru Usman and Gilbert Burns.

Covington, meanwhile, hasn’t fought since he was stopped by Usman in December.