If you were hoping to see Colby Covington and Ian Garry fight in the UFC this summer, you probably weren’t alone.
The two welterweight stars spent weeks exchanging trash talk on social media, seemingly setting the stage for a high-profile grudge match that could have propelled the winner directly into title contention.
Ultimately, however, their rivalry faded and Garry was booked for a fight with Michael Page at UFC 303, scheduled for June 29 in Las Vegas.
Speaking on a recent episode of SOSCAST by Adam SosnickCovington explained why he decided not to fight Garry. The main reason, it seems, is that he is still recovering from some nagging injuries.
“The most important thing is that I have to recover,” he said. “I’m not going to rush someone else’s timeline. I’m on my own time and the UFC knows it. I’m already a superstar and I’ve made so much money that I don’t need to fight anymore, so my time has really come. I will fight when I am ready.”
However, Covington also downplayed Garry as a worthwhile opponent at this stage of his career.
“I want big fights and this guy is nobody,” he said. “He just got a split decision over the 12th ranked guy. [Geoff Neal]. I’ve been fighting one world champion after another for the last seven years in a row. Why does this kid deserve to fight with me? “He’s literally the B side. He thinks he makes the decisions and he’s the A side.”
It’s fair to say Covington has changed his mind. Late last year, during an interview on The Tucker Carlson Encounter, he stated that he would be “honored” to resolve his issue with Garry. Obviously, those days are gone.
Covington (17-4) hasn’t fought since losing a decision to welterweight champion Leon Edwards at UFC 296 in December. It was his third failed attempt at the pision’s undisputed championship and one of the most disappointing performances of his career.
Garry, on the other hand, defeated Neal via split decision at UFC 298 in February. It was his seventh victory in the Octagon and he brought his record to a perfect 14-0.