Colby Covington’s usual trash-talking antics have been noticeably toned down in the build up to his showdown with former champion Tyron Woodley in the main event of UFC Fight Night 178 on Saturday night, and in fact he’s been keen to stress that victory is far from a foregone conclusion.
”I can’t look at the odds, that’s not going to be reflective of what the fight is going to be like and how close the fight could be,” Covington told TSN. “If I look at the odds, it just looks like it’s going to be a cakewalk and I’m just going to walk through him. Realistically, that’s not what it’s going to be because this is such a heated rivalry.
“I can’t look at people saying “Oh, he’s past his time”, he’s not past his time. He’s 38 years old, Daniel Cormier is 41 and he just fought for a world title. Why aren’t people saying Daniel Cormier was past his time?”
That being said, Covington is clearly still confident that he can emerge victorious as he’s not only talking about winning the fight, but finishing Woodley inside the distance to increase his chances of getting another title shot.
“He’s [Woodley] been beat in his last two fights by decision but no one’s finished him. I feel like if I go finish Tyron Woodley on Saturday night I cement myself to get another title shot, or a fight with “Street Judas” Masvidal.”