Colby Covington believes he would be a nightmare matchup for Khamzat Chimaev.
Following his victory over Luke Rockhold at RAF 5 on Saturday, Covington (17-5 MMA, 12-5 UFC) suggested that a move up to 185 pounds could be next as he contemplates a return to the Octagon.
The former three-time welterweight title challenger has not competed since his loss to Joaquin Buckley at UFC Tampa in December 2024. Although he remains ranked at 170 pounds, Covington appears to be leaning toward a change in weight class as he considers his next move.
Chimaev (15-0 MMA, 9-0 UFC) dominated Dricus Du Plessis over five rounds to capture the middleweight title at UFC 319 last August, and “Chaos” believes he could present a difficult stylistic challenge for the champion should he earn a title shot.
“We were supposed to fight at welterweight in the past,” Covington told Submission Radio. “They were talking about making that fight happen. So I love that fight. I think it's a great fight for me. He's not going to take me down, hold me down. (I’d get) right up.
“Collegiate wrestling teaches you fight the hands, look for underhooks, get right back to your feet. So he's not going to be holding me (down) like he did his last fight with Dricus. It'll be a completely different fight. And then it's a striking fight, and I think he's scared to strike. I don't think he likes to strike people. He doesn't like to get hit in the face. So, you know, I love that fight.”
Having remained inactive for more than a year, Covington is aware he is unlikely to be considered for an immediate title shot upon his return. The 37-year-old instead has his eye on a fight against former middleweight titleholder Israel Adesanya (24-5 MMA, 13-5 UFC), which he believes could get him a lot closer to the title conversation at 185 pounds.
“The quickest path to get there is what I'm looking for,” Covington said. “If it's Izzy, you know, Izzy would be a great stylistic matchup. And then, you know, whoever else is next, and then boom, let's do it Khamzat.”
