Colby Covington, the former UFC title challenger known for his sharp mic work and relentless in-c-cage pace, weighs in on Islam Makhachev’s recent talk of moving up to heavyweight. The exchange, reported by Low Kick MMA, adds another layer to a rapidly evolving storyline about weight classes, power dynamics, and the future plans of two of the sport’s most polarizing figures.
Covington suggests that Makhachev’s ambitions could intersect with a range of factors beyond raw size, including strategy, durability, and the ability to adapt his famed grappling game to a different physical ceiling. He notes that Makhachev’s camp, led by Khabib Nurmagomedov and the extended team behind him, would need a careful, long-term plan to manage the transition. Covington emphasizes that while weight classes are moving targets, the welterweight foundation that helped build his own career remains a crucial reference point for anyone contemplating a jump to a heavier division. The outspoken American fighter reiterates that psychology, preparation, and the chemistry of a team around a champion all play a decisive role when deciding to push for new frontiers in the sport.
Meanwhile, the February 12 showdown at UFC 284 in Perth, Australia, saw Makhachev extend his remarkable run by defeating Alexander Volkanovski by unanimous decision after five rounds. The victory marked the Russian phenom’s 24th win in his professional ledger and added another chapter to a career defined by elite-level consistency and tactical brilliance. It also underscored the broader context of how champions consider their options as they approach the outer edges of their current weight limits. In this environment, Covington’s public commentary arrives as part of a broader conversation about how athletes manage the evolving demands of training, travel, and performance when facing the prospect of competing across weight boundaries.
Covington openly states his readiness to test himself against the lightweight champion on any stage. He frames the potential clash not merely as a duel of strength but as a strategic contest of timing, takedown defense, and the ability to impose one’s own pace on the fight. The veteran competitor argues that a strategic advantage could come from keeping the fight in positions that favor his pressure-style wrestling and cardio, while challenging Makhachev’s ability to sustain power, balance, and control if the match starts to slip into higher-pressure environments. Covington outlines his confidence in his own conditioning and technique, insisting that he would bring a difficult, high-volume approach that could undermine Makhachev’s customary rhythm and grip on the fight.