Khabib Nurmagomedov is undoubtedly one of the most popular fighters in modern UFC history. Retiring undefeated at the peak of his career, he left the sport with two successful defenses of his lightweight title. However, despite high fan anticipation, the ‘Eagle’ never made the move to welterweight—a point Colby Covington still mocks to this day.
After Khabib Nurmagomedov’s retirement, his teammate Islam Makhachev continued the Dagestani dominance in the UFC. Makhachev wanted to move up a weight class but ultimately decided against it to avoid fighting his friend, Belal Muhammad. In a recent interview, Colby Covington criticized Team Khabib, suggesting they lacked the ambition to move up in weight divisions.
Both those guys are legitimately cutting chromosomes off their body. These guys are huge lightweights. They are bigger than me and I’m a weight class up. So, these guys are walking around at 190 plus…they’re just weight bullies.
Colby Covington via Submission Radio
Covington mentioned that Nurmagomedov and Makhachev are all talk and don’t have the guts to move up to 170 lbs. He also proposed a potential welterweight fight between him and Makhachev and headline it as a Russia vs. America mega fight. While it could be a massive event, Makhachev’s primary focus is likely on securing double-champion status over anything else.
Covington’s last fight was against Leon Edwards at UFC 296, where he lost the title opportunity for the third time. Since then, the American fighter has been busy with Donald Trump‘s 2024 US election campaign. He will aim to return next year. However, it’s safe to say that his rivalry with Team Khabib goes way back and will not stop anytime soon.
When Khabib Nurmagomedov wanted Colby Covington to be blacklisted
Colby Covington is popular in the UFC for his brash, trash-talking persona, which he uses to create tension with opponents. This persona started around 2017 when Covington realized he needed to boost his marketability. Since then, he has played the role of a villain, adopting an outspoken personality to sell his fights. Over the years, Covington has taken it to the next level, often diminishing the boundaries.
During his grudge fight against Jorge Masvidal, the ‘Chaos’ mocked his opponent’s personal life. Though Masvidal lost the bout, he managed to sucker punch Covington in Miami. The former welterweight title contender called the police and pressed charges, which didn’t sit well with Khabib Nurmagomedov.
You were attacked by a professional fighter, the same as you are, your own size, and you go press charges against him to the police?…I think all welterweights should refuse to fight Colby, just don’t accept fights with him, let him sit without a fight.
Khabib Nurmagomedov via X
Khabib wants Colby Covington blacklisted by fellow fighters. 😳
Full story: pic.twitter.com/WRqV7qPy3B
— MMA Junkie (@MMAJunkie) March 24, 2022
Now that the elections are over, Covington is eyeing his comeback and aims to fight Belal Muhammad for the title shot. However, the American fighter is currently #6 in the division and has only one win in his last three bouts. Regardless of everything, Covington is still a huge draw, and UFC won’t let go of the opportunity to bank on him again.
