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UFC lightweight contender Michael Chandler has joined the chorus of voices mocking Colby Covington following his defeat at UFC 296. Covington, known for his brash persona, suffered a unanimous decision loss to Leon Edwards in the main event, marking his first fight since defeating Jorge Masvidal in March last year.
In the lead-up to the fight, Covington had engaged in his trademark trash talk, even making controversial remarks about Edwards' deceased father. However, his efforts proved futile as he was dominated by Edwards throughout the bout. Post-fight, Covington attributed his loss to what he claimed were biased judges who he alleged were anti-Donald Trump.
Chandler, in a recent interview with InsideFighting, didn't hold back in his criticism of Covington's performance. He ridiculed Covington's fighting style, likening it to the ineffectiveness of the U.S. military in hypothetical historical scenarios.
"If Colby’s offense was an accurate depiction of the U.S. military, we would have never gotten our independence. Lost World War 1, and lost World War 2," Chandler remarked, suggesting that Covington's performance was disappointing and did not live up to the hype he created.
When asked about a potential future bout with Covington, Chandler expressed his disinterest, stating,
"Not now! Not after that performance. Colby should be fighting on the prelims. That’s my [opinion]. Super disappointed."
Chandler's comments reflect a broader sentiment within the MMA community, with several figures criticizing Covington for his loss. Despite the backlash, Covington has expressed interest in facing Stephen Thompson in his next fight, while Chandler's return to the cage remains uncertain, with rumors linking him to a potential showdown against Conor McGregor at UFC 300 in April.