Leon Edwards has worrying UFC theory ahead of Colby Covington fight

Leon Edwards has claimed that the UFC "probably" wants Colby Covington to win the pair's welterweight bout at UFC 296. The duo are set to go head to head in a highly anticipated clash, with the 32-year-old fighter claiming that he is happy to be seen as the "underdog" following his opponent's long spell away from fighting.

Edwards is set to fight Covington in Las Vegas in the latest bout on his 12-fight unbeaten run. The current UFC welterweight champion hasn't lost since 2015 and is coming off two impressive wins against Kamaru Usman in which he won and then defended the title.

While fans were intrigued to find out who Edwards would face next, many were surprised when Covington was announced as his opponent. The Californian's last bout in The Octagon came back in March 2022 when he defeated Jorge Masvidal at UFC 272.

The announcement not only surprised fans but also left Edwards scratching his head. In the days ahead of the fight - taking place on Saturday (Dec. 16) - Edwards has spoken out and has questioned why he is facing a fighter who has been absent for well over a year.

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Speaking on The MMA Hour, Edwards was asked why Covington is getting a shot at the UFC Welterweight champion following a long spell away from The Octagon.

"I couldn't tell you," he said. "I spoke to the UFC, I spoke to everyone and I don't know what their excuse is. I think they brought him in in March to weigh-in - random, I don't know why.

"Then he got the Dana White privilege all right, that’s it. He hasn’t earned it... Everyone he’s beaten in the last five years, they’re all retired, right?

"He’s been defeating guys that are at the back end of their career. And he just for some reason he’s got this mentality where he feels like he deserves more than what he’s earned. And for some reason the UFC’s gone with it.”

Edwards was then asked if he thought the UFC wants Covington to win, to which he replied: "Probably. I think [Donald] Trump wants him to win. I don’t know. None of it matters, right?

"I think my whole career’s been the underdog going against the favorite and this is no different. My mentality, my background is all just perfect to where my career is going. It all just works out perfect for me, so it is what it is."

Dana White has previously addressed concerns from both fans and pundits that suggest Covington shouldn't fight Edwards following the significant gap between his last fight.

“Listen, Colby Covington like him or not the guy showed up in London," White said at the UFC 287 pre-fight press conference. "He cut the weight, he did what he was supposed to do. He deserves to fight against Leon there’s no doubt,” White said.

Edwards and Covington will face off at T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas on Saturday (Dec. 16).