'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
#4. Former UFC middleweight champion Robert Whittaker
Based on the title picture at middleweight and welterweight, perhaps the UFC could go in a different direction. Colby Covington and Robert Whittaker are essentially in the same situation in their respective weight classes.
Both fighters have had two title losses to the champions of their division but weren't completely outclassed in their bouts. They both also need strong performances to make a compelling argument for a trilogy bout. 'Chaos' recently challenged Israel Adesanya for the middleweight championship. And so, a win over a former champion would prove he's worthy of a title shot at 185lbs.
'Bobby Knuckles' is scheduled to compete against Marvin Vettori in June. Depending on what transpires, Covington vs. Whittaker could be a massive fight for the promotion's annual event at Madison Square Garden.
#3. Former UFC title challenger Gilbert Burns
For years, Covington vs. Gilbert Burns seemed inevitable, but the UFC surprisingly has yet to book a fight. Burns is coming off a dominant unanimous decision win over Stephen Thompson.
Prior to the bout with 'Wonderboy', he fought Kamaru Usman for the welterweight championship but came up short. He dropped Usman in the first round, however 'The Nigerian Nightmare' regrouped and ended up finishing him with strikes.
'Durinho' is scheduled to fight rising contender Khamzat Chimeav next month. If he's victorious, a title-eliminator against 'Chaos' would be logical as one of the headliners for International Fight Week.
Burns has called out the former interim welterweight champion in the past and recently shared his thoughts on his bout with Masvidal. The idea of the bout being a title eliminator could be what convinces Covington to accept the fight.
"I don't think he has that crazy cardio king but he has good cardio. Not a lot of damage, not efficient ground and pound, he didn't even cut the guy. He just wrestles. A good performance." - Gilbert Burns to Helen Yee Sports
