Colby Covington has recently expressed curiosity about transitioning to the middleweight division following a disappointing performance that resulted in his second consecutive loss, this time against Joaquin Buckley at UFC on ESPN 63. Covington, with a record of 17-5 in mixed martial arts, has established himself as a notable competitor within the welterweight category. However, after contemplating a jump to the 185-pound weight class, particularly to challenge the former champion, Sean Strickland, many experts in the MMA community are raising eyebrows at this decision.
One prominent voice in the sport, Michael Bisping, strongly criticized Covington’s potential move, underscoring the physical mismatch he believes would occur if Covington were to face Strickland. Bisping articulated his concerns on his YouTube channel, stating, “Colby Covington is too small for middleweight, simple as that.” The implication here is significant; it suggests that Covington may be underestimating the physical demands and competitive nature of a higher weight class. Strickland, who holds a respectable record of 29-6, has fought and trained against opponents at this level consistently, complicating Covington’s chances of success.
Strategic Miscalculation?
Covington’s recent performance and remarks about Strickland, referring to him as a “cardio kickboxer,” indicate a potential hubris in his approach. His dismissive attitude might suggest overconfidence rather than a strategic assessment of the division’s current landscape. Bisping cautioned that Covington’s aspiration to fight Strickland might be heavily misguided. The former champion noted that if Strickland were to succeed in his upcoming rematch with current middleweight champion Dricus Du Plessis, it would be virtually impossible for Covington to secure an immediate title shot in a division dominated by larger and more seasoned fighters.
For Covington, the road ahead seems riddled with obstacles. Historically, he has had his share of title opportunities in the welterweight class, engaging in intense rivalries and high-stakes bouts against top competitors like Kamaru Usman and Tyron Woodley. Those experiences cannot be overlooked. However, his dreams of transitioning to middleweight must be balanced against the risk of a potentially unproductive move. If Strickland continues to excel within the 185-pound category, Covington’s ambitions of skipping the line for a title shot will likely be dashed.
As discussions surrounding Colby Covington’s potential leap to middleweight unfold, the consensus is clear: this may not be the strategic masterstroke he envisions. The nuances of weight classes in mixed martial arts are profound, and moving up carries inherent risks that cannot be ignored. For Covington, focusing on refining his skills and regaining momentum at welterweight might prove more prudent, ensuring he remains competitive and relevant within the sport—without the unnecessary gamble of transitioning to a rigorous division where he might not have the physical advantages to succeed.