UFC contender Colby Covington expressed his concern about the upcoming lightweight title unification bout between Ilia Topuria and Justin Gaethje, scheduled for June 14 at the White House. Covington believes the UFC is making a mistake by pitting Gaethje against the dominant champion Topuria in such a high-profile event, especially considering the historical significance of the date – the 250th anniversary of the United States.
“It is the celebration of the 250th birthday of the greatest country on God’s green earth, America,” Covington stated in a recent interview. “You think there will be more American fighters on it from top to bottom. You think there would maybe be some favorable matches for the Americans, but Justin Gaethje is being sent to the slaughter at the White House.”
Covington is of the opinion that Topuria, who has recently defeated formidable opponents like Max Holloway, Alexander Volkanovski, and Charles Oliveira, is currently the best fighter in the world and is in his prime. He contrasted this with Gaethje, suggesting the veteran is past his best. “I mean, Topuria is the best fighter on the planet right now. No one can dispute that. He is just finishing these guys like Holloway, Volkanovski, and Oliveira. He is just on another level, and he is in his prime, and Gaethje is on his way down… They did not put the best American fighters on the card.”
Adding to his criticism of the matchmaking for the event, Covington also pointed to the fight between Michael Chandler and Mauricio Ruffy. He argued that pitting a 39-year-old Chandler, who is on a three-fight losing streak, against a dangerous knockout artist like Ruffy is another questionable decision by the UFC for this landmark card.
English Translation:
Colby Covington: Justin Gaethje is Being Sent to the Slaughter at the White House
A UFC contender believes the promotion is making a mistake by sending Justin Gaethje to fight Ilia Topuria on June 14.
The UFC event, scheduled to take place on the South Lawn of the White House and commemorating the 250th anniversary of the United States, will be headlined by the lightweight title unification bout between champion Topuria and current interim champion Gaethje.
Oddsmakers, most fans, and analysts already believe that Topuria will knock out Gaethje and potentially force him into retirement. Topuria himself has also predicted a first-round knockout.
Colby Covington believes Justin Gaethje is Being Sent to the Slaughter on June 14
During a recent interview, Colby Covington shared his thoughts on the June 14 headlining bout and other fights. Covington believes the UFC is making a significant error by featuring American fighters against prime champions and top contenders from other countries during the United States’ 250th anniversary celebrations.
He stated:
“It is the celebration of the 250th birthday of the greatest country on God’s green earth, America. You would think there would be more American fighters on it from top to bottom. You would think there might be some favorable matchups for the Americans, but Justin Gaethje is being sent to the slaughter at the White House. I mean, Topuria is the best fighter on the planet right now. No one can dispute that. He is just finishing these guys like Holloway, Volkanovski, and Oliveira. He is just on another level, and he is in his prime, and Gaethje is on his way down… They did not put the best American fighters on the card.”
Colby Covington also added that the UFC’s decision to match a 39-year-old Michael Chandler, currently on a three-fight losing streak, against a fresh and dangerous knockout artist like Mauricio Ruffy on June 14 is another matchmaking blunder for the White House card.
