Colby Covington, 36, suffered a third consecutive loss on Saturday’s UFC Tampa main event, handing Joaquin Buckley a convincing win and sending shockwaves through the welterweight division. The defeat raises questions about Covington’s legacy and whether he can ever regain his former glory.
Covington has always portrayed himself as a villain, using his trash talk to intimidate opponents and build a persona that draws attention. However, this tactic may ultimately be his downfall. In his prime, Covington was an elite fighter who could dominate opponents with his suffocating style. But now, he finds himself struggling against younger, faster, and sharper opponents like Buckley.
Buckley’s impressive performance on Saturday showed him to be a formidable opponent, and it’s hard to see how Covington can regain the top spot in the division anytime soon. The odds of Covington winning a UFC welterweight title now are slim, making it likely that we’ve seen the high-water mark of his career.
Covington’s legacy is also tied to his ability to draw attention and spark controversy. However, this gimmick can be a double-edged sword. While it initially drew fans in, it has ultimately made Covington an antagonist for many top champions like Kamaru Usman. The division has moved on, and the new crop of fighters has surpassed Covington’s skillset.
It remains to be seen whether Covington will find a way to revive his career or if he’ll become a footnote in the history books. One thing is certain: his legacy hangs in the balance, and it’s up to him to prove that he still has what it takes to compete at the highest level.
Source: https://sports.yahoo.com/colby-covington-set-out-to-be-the-villain-and-he-succeeded-but-that-legacy-wont-be-a-lasting-one-181033319.html