The conflict between Michael Chandler and Colby Covington has been escalating since Chandler taunted Covington about his loss to Leon Edwards in a welterweight title bout at UFC 296. After the fight, Chandler derided Covington in various interviews and on social media, especially mocking him for his association with Donald Trump. The former Bellator MMA champion claimed that Covington endured “1776 shots to the face” in the presence of the former POTUS.
Covington has recently singled out Chandler, criticizing his UFC track record and labeling the former lightweight title contender as a “complete scrub” during an appearance on the PBD Podcast. Chandler fired back, stating that he would normally respond to Covington, but is fearful of his “ambulance chancing, cut-rate attorney,” and doesn’t need a bogus defamation suit based on his accurate tweets. Chandler added, “Fighters don’t sue fighters for fighting. How’s your ‘brain damage’ kid?”
Chandler’s comments appear to reference Covington’s legal case involving Jorge Masvidal. In March 2022, the rivalry between the former friends intensified when Masvidal confronted Covington at a Miami Beach restaurant, leading to allegations of brain injury caused by the altercation.
Moreover, during the build-up for UFC 296, Covington received a surprise shout-out from WWE legend Ric Flair. Covington was visibly thrilled as he watched a personal message from Flair wishing him luck for his welterweight title bout against Leon Edwards, declaring, “You’re the man.” However, Chandler, in a conversation with ‘The Schmo,’ raised concerns about the backing, questioning Flair’s sudden shift in allegiance and claiming that it’s a questionable backing of Covington.
