with Kamaru Usman vs. Jorge Masvidal II having recently been signed up for UFC 261, Colby Covington has now made it known he’s ready, willing and able to step in as a short-notice replacement if either fighter drops out prior to the April 24th event.
“The UFC hasn’t told me, but I think it’s pretty self-explanatory that I’m the backup guy,” Covington told The Schmo. “If anything happens, if anybody gets COVID, anybody gets cold feet and pulls out of that fight, I’m showing up.
“That’s right down the road for me. We’re in Miami, Florida right now, that’s three and a half hours, four-hour ride. I’ll take a bus over to Jacksonville and I’ll be showing up for that fight. I’ll be there. So if anybody pulls out, I’ll be stepping in, and we’ll evaluate from there.
“I just want to put on good fights and capitalize on my prime and my career right now, which is what I’m in. So we’ll see what happens in a couple of weeks.”
Covington is coming off a TKO Victory over Tyron Woodley back in September and the rankings currently have him as the No.1 contender at 170lbs, so together with the fact that he also claims to be in fight shape and has history with both fighters, it’s hard to argue that he wouldn’t be a great option for the UFC if they need someone to fill in as a late replacement.
“I’m staying ready, I have my weight ready to go. I’m training, preparing like I am fighting April 24th for the world title. So if they want me to weigh in, I’d love to weigh in. If not, it’s OK. I’ll be there in attendance and I’ll be ready to go in case anybody pulls out last-minute.”
