Leon Edwards and other UFC welterweights speak up against Colby Covington getting next title shot

It seems that Colby Covington will be next in line for a welterweight title shot against Leon Edwards.

During the UFC 286 post-event press conference, UFC president Dana White made a huge announcement regarding the future of the welterweight division. White declared that the next 170-pound championship fight will take place between 'Chaos' and Edwards:

"I don't know when we'll do it but that's the fight that makes sense. And Colby came here and cut weight and, you know, did everything to be here for this fight. He deserves the fight. Not to mention the fact that he is, you know, second or third best guy in the world."

When asked if the decision could change depending on the outcome of Jorge Masvidal vs. Gilbert Burns next month, White said that Covington would fight for the title next regardless of what happens in the other fights.

The news did not sit well with some of the other ranked welterweight contenders, who believe that Covington is not worthy of another title fight.

Welterweight king Leon Edwards feels that there are more deserving contenders in the division than 'Chaos':

"I don't know how that makes sense. [Colby Covington] hasn't fought for over a year and a half. Sat out, not injured. I don't get how he just slides in for a world title shot when there's other guys in the division that have been active, been fighting, didn't sit out. So yeah, like I said, I'm the king now. I have earned my way. So, I feel like I should decide who's next."

Belal Muhammad also let his displeasure be known about Colby Covington fighting for the UFC gold next.

UFC contender Gilbert Burns had the following response to the news.

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Is Colby Covington worthy of a title shot against Leon Edwards?

Colby Covington has been a part of two UFC undisputed welterweight title fights and has come up short on both occasions. But it appears that 'Chaos' will be getting another shot at becoming an undisputed UFC champion.

Many are wondering whether Covington is deserving to be next in line for Edwards. The 35-year-old has been out of action for close to a year and has recorded only one win since September 2020. That win came against Jorge Masvidal, who was on a two-fight skid when they fought.

Belal Muhammad, on the other hand, is currently on a nine-fight undefeated streak but has been overlooked by the UFC.

It can be argued that merit was not the only criteria for awarding Covington a championship fight against Edwards.