Colby Covington has warned Leon Edwards no to "cross your boss" after UFC president Dana White promised him a world title shot against the Brit in his next bout.
Edwards defeated Kamaru Usman last weekend at the O2 Arena in London, but one of the big talking points of the build-up was Covington's surprise appearance on weigh-in day. He tipped the scales as a back-up opponent for the title bout, and has since been promised a shot at the belt by White.
Covington hasn't fought since his dominant win over Jorge Masvidal last year after dealing with a lengthy legal dispute following his involvement in an altercation with Masvidal weeks after their fight in Miami. He claims to have suffered injuries during the incident, which followed a comfortable victory to put the controversial fighter back in the win column.
And he has warned Edwards to listen to White's demands that he get a title shot next, telling MMAFighting: “This is the only piece of advice that I’m ever going to give you, because next you’re going to get your a** whooped. There’s a saying, Leon, and shut your fumbling mouth and listen.
"Open your stupid ears and listen to the advice that I give because it’s the only advice I’m going to give to you, Leon: You don’t cross your boss – and you will learn the hard way. Remember that, Leon. That’s the only advice I’m going to give you. You don’t cross your boss.”
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Edwards is not as keen on the bout, despite White's insistence that it will be the next fight in his reign as champion. The UFC boss frequently declares that he doesn't match-make on fight night, but he told media members at UFC 286 that it has already been decided that Covington is the next challenger.
“I don’t know when we’ll do it, but that’s the fight that makes sense,” White said immediately following the event. “Colby came here and cut weight and did everything to be here for this fight. He deserves the fight, not to mention he’s the second or third best guy in the world.”
Edwards is not thrilled with the idea, telling reporters on the night: “I don’t know how that makes sense. He hasn’t fought for over a year and a half. Sat out, not injured, I just don’t get how he just slides in for the world title shot when there’s other guys in the division that’s been active, been fighting, didn’t sit out. I’m the king now. I’ve earned my way. I feel I should decide who’s next.”
