In the realm of the UFC welterweight division, few rivalries have the potential to burn as fiercely as that between Colby Covington and Ian Machado Garry. The animosity between these two polarizing figures has reached a boiling point, with Covington recently issuing a scathing callout to the rising Irish contender. As the MMA world waits with bated breath, the stage is set for a showdown of two of the most hated fighters in the division.
The sparks between Covington and Garry first flew when both fighters were slated to compete at UFC 296 in December. While Covington suffered a setback in his most recent outing against champion Leon Edwards, Garry continued his meteoric rise, extending his perfect record to 14-0. With tensions simmering between the two rivals, a showdown inside the Octagon seemed inevitable, with some fans joking that a fight against Colby is the only way for Ian to be the more likeable person going into the fight.
Taking to social media to issue his challenge, Covington laid out a series of stipulations for a potential bout with Garry. First and foremost, he demanded that Garry and his wife, Layla Machado Garry, re-enable comments on their Instagram accounts. Failure to comply would result in forfeiture of the contest or purse, depending on the timing of the action. Additionally, Covington requested a 60-second explanation from Garry’s wife as to why the fight should happen before agreeing to shoot a sponsored promo video alongside him.
Get on your knees and beg @iangarryMMA @Laylaloves @ufc pic.twitter.com/1w3CzAriB0
— Colby Covington (@ColbyCovMMA) March 13, 2024
Addressing Garry directly, Covington minced no words in expressing his disdain for his potential opponent. “Why should I come out and even give you guys an opportunity at facing the biggest star in this division?” Covington challenged. “I don’t see seriousness out of you guys. I don’t see you as potential threats and someone that I want to do business with.”
“People hate him because he’s a little prick and he’s just not a good human being,” Covington said. “Everything he stands upon, him and his wife and his family, it’s disgusting. We need to get rid of this kid and I’m a perfect guy to get rid of him. I’m a perfect company man that will end this kid’s — turn this kid’s lights out, end his dreams. He’ll never be able to go beg, ‘Oh, let me get these big fights. Let me get this money fight.’ No, you don’t deserve to fight the money fight and I’m gonna show you why.
In a move reminiscent of MMA legend Chael Sonnen’s infamous callout of Anderson Silva, Covington put a unique twist on his challenge to Garry. Drawing inspiration from Sonnen’s bold stipulations, Covington imposed a 24-hour expiration on his demands, echoing the high-stakes drama of Sonnen’s legendary callout.
Despite the intensity of Covington’s call to action, he acknowledged that he is currently nursing a foot injury sustained in his bout against Edwards. However, he expressed his desire for a return to the Octagon in early summer, with Garry at the top of his list of potential opponents.
“I’m ready and I want to do the biggest and best business for the UFC and the company,” Covington declared. “I’m the people’s champ for a reason.”
As the MMA world braces for the inevitable clash between Covington and Garry, the stage is set for an incredible fight. With pride, legacy, and relevancy on the line, the stakes are only getting higher. Only time will tell who will emerge victorious in this heated showdown.
