This article will discuss the upcoming fight between Colby Covington and Leon Edwards at UFC 296. Considering Edwards ‘ recent performances, there has been a lot of speculation about whether Covington has a chance of winning this fight. While there are valid arguments on both sides, I believe that stylistically, Covington has a good chance of defeating Edwards. However, one primary concern that could affect Covington’s performance is his inactivity. In this article, we will delve into the details and analyze the factors that could determine the outcome of this fight.
The Concern with Covington’s Inactivity
One of the main reasons why some believe Edwards will win this fight is Covington’s lack of activity. While Covington has had notable victories over fighters like Jorge Masvidal and Tyron Woodley, it’s important to note that they were at a different level than Edwards. However, a skilled fighter, Masvidal is past his prime and has experienced a decline in his performance due to age and conditioning. On the other hand, Woodley had also seen a decline in his skills and focused more on his striking power than his wrestling abilities.
On the other hand, Edwards has been consistently fighting top-level fighters and active in the octagon. This gives him an advantage in terms of experience and staying in fighting shape. He has proven himself to be a different fighter than Covington’s previous opponents.
The Key to Covington’s Victory
Despite the concerns about Covington’s inactivity, he still can win this fight. His wrestling skills are top-notch, and he is known for his aggressive and relentless approach. He constantly chains together takedown attempts and doesn’t give up easily. This could be his path to victory against Edwards.
Covington must go the distance and win the rounds by taking Edwards down and controlling the fight on the ground to win this fight. While he may be unable to damage significantly from that position, he can still apply pressure and wear down his opponent. Covington’s cardio and pace could be his most significant weapons in this fight.
The Age Factor and Speed Advantage
Another factor to consider in this matchup is the age difference between the two fighters. At 35 years old, Covington is slightly older than Edwards, who is 32. In the welterweight division, the younger fighter tends to have the advantage, and Edwards falls into that category.
In addition to age, Edwards also possesses superior speed and movement. He is known for his clean striking and has a reach advantage over Covington. Edwards’ speed and striking skills could challenge Covington when the fight is at a distance.
Personal Experience with Edwards
As someone who has previously trained with Edwards, I can attest to his exceptional speed and skills. Even during my prime, Edwards was able to hit me with his speed and precision. He has improved significantly since then and has become a much better fighter. His ability to control the risk and get back to his feet is impressive, and he knows how to use the fence to his advantage. He understands the importance of maintaining wrist control and knows how to escape and return to the octagon’s center.
The Potential Impact on Rankings
Looking ahead, it’s worth considering the potential impact of this fight on the rankings. Suppose Shavkat Rakhmonov defeats Stephen Thompson; the Covington-Edwards fight’s loser could be Rakhmonov next. This would put them in contention for a title shot, potentially bypassing other fighters in the rankings. There is also the possibility of the winner of the Covington-Edwards fight facing Belal Muhammad for the title, with Rakhmonov as a backup in any unforeseen circumstances.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the upcoming fight between Colby Covington and Leon Edwards is an intriguing matchup. While Covington has a chance of winning with his wrestling skills and relentless approach, Edwards is operating at a different level right now. His speed, movement, and clean striking make him a formidable opponent. Covington’s inactivity and the age factor could work against him in this fight. Ultimately, it will come down to whether Covington can overcome these challenges and implement his game plan effectively. Only time will tell who will emerge victorious in this highly anticipated bout.
