Bloodyelbow.com
With a record of 26-0 and the UFC lightweight title in his possession, it can be easily said thatKhabib Nurmagomedov is a force to reckon with at 155 pounds. But if by some chance he does decide to move up to welterweight, there is already one fighter who is willing to give him a rude welcome.
In an interview with MMAjunkie Radio, number three-ranked welterweight contender Colby Covington explained how different things are at a weight class 15 pounds heavier.
“I think (Khabib’s style) works for the little lightweight division, but that sh-t doesn’t fly at welterweight,” Covington said. “You’ve got a real All-American wrestler, not some sambo dude, so if he comes up to welterweight, he’s going to get his head dunked and balls put on his forehead just like the rest of them.”
Al Iaquinta may have already come to Khabib’s defense, but many still throw criticisms at the Dagestani fighter for his performance at UFC 223. And after claiming to have watched the fight more than once, Covington is giving his own post-fight assessment.
“I don’t think he’s that impressive,” Covington said. “He couldn’t even finish a real estate agent. That’s f—king sad.”
“I watched the fight a couple of times. (Khabib) just goes forward and looks for takedowns and pressure,” Covington added. “He doesn’t have any striking power. He’s not a well-rounded fighter like myself. I can beat people on the feet; I can beat people on the ground. It doesn’t matter.”
“Guys have a lot more to worry about when they’re fighting me than they do fighting Khabib. He’s just one-dimensional. I’m the most well-rounded fighter on the planet.”
Covington will get to test his well-roundedness when he faces former lightweight championRafael dos Anjos for the interim welterweight title at UFC 225 on June 9th in Chicago.
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