Colby Covington’s attempt to back up his widely reviled pre-fight comments at UFC 296 ended in disappointment, leaving a bitter aftertaste as the MMA world stepped into 2024. The stage was set at Las Vegas’ T-Mobile Arena for UFC 296, where Covington sought his third shot at claiming the undisputed UFC welterweight championship.
In the lead-up to the fight, Covington hurled insults left and right, but the champion, Leon Edwards, maintained his cool until Covington crossed a line by targeting Edwards’ late father, who was tragically murdered when Edwards was just nine years old. Covington’s distasteful remarks, including a threat to drag Edwards to the “seventh layer of hell” with his father, sparked widespread criticism. Ultimately, Covington suffered a unanimous decision loss at UFC 296.
Ray Longo, the seasoned head coach of the Serra-Longo fight team, minced no words in expressing his disdain for Covington. Referring to past threats made by Covington towards UFC commentator Jon Anik, Longo made it clear: “I’ve got absolutely no use for the guy at all. I just don’t… Couldn’t give a s*** about that guy. What he did with Leon Edwards I think is atrocious.”
Covington’s recent stumble has left him with a 2-3 record in his last five fights, all losses occurring in his quests for the undisputed title. Despite nearly a year away from the octagon, Covington, 35, entered UFC 296 with fan support but saw that turn to disfavor as the fight unfolded. Post-fight, he boldly claimed he should have won and set his sights on Stephen “Wonderboy” Thompson as his next adversary.
Longo didn’t hold back in criticizing Covington, portraying him as a “leech on society” and expressing frustration over his attacks on fellow fighters. Longo questioned the true worth of Covington’s actions, hinting at potential regrets in the long run. In an unexpected twist, Longo even drew an unconventional parallel, suggesting, “I think he cost [Donald] Trump the election. How’s that? ‘Oh, Mr. President, Mr. President is here to watch me. Who do you got? The Queen of England.’ This motherf***** called somebody a dope? I’d love to see this guy’s college transcripts. He’s a f****** moron.”