Colby Covington, known for his candid opinions inside the UFC arena, believes he has a blueprint to beat lightweight champion Islam Makhachev. He reiterates this stance while pointing to his past experiences and strategic notes shared with fighters who faced Makhachev, including Adriano Martins. Covington explains that he told Martins to test Islam with a right hook, insisting that the blow had the potential to disrupt Makhachev’s rhythm. He claims Martins did not land it consistently, which, in Covington’s view, contributed to a troubling moment for Makhachev during that fight. Covington emphasizes a tactical edge: Islam fights left-handed, and facing another left-hander poses a unique challenge that Covington feels can be exploited. This assessment comes from Covington’s perspective as someone who has actively coached fighters preparing for Makhachev, and it is cited by Low Kick MMA as a source of his detailed briefing.
Covington has accumulated twenty Octagon appearances with seventeen wins, showcasing a career built on high-intensity pace and relentless pressure. His comments echo a broader conversation about how elite competitors approach Makhachev’s distinctive grappling and striking blend. The conversation taps into the recurring theme of how athletes adapt game plans when facing a versatile champion who blends wrestling, ground control, and striking offense with exceptional cardio. The discussion reflects Covington’s ongoing narrative about finding exploitable tendencies without compromising general fight readiness.
On February 12, Islam Makhachev secured a unanimous decision over Alexander Volkanovski after five rounds at UFC 284 in Perth, Australia. The win marked another milestone in Makhachev’s already storied career. It added to a growing list of high-profile performances that have solidified his status at the top of the lightweight division and reinforced his reputation for sustained success across multiple championship-level challenges. Makhachev’s performance at that event demonstrated his ability to maintain control through rounds, manage pace, and execute precise tactical decisions under pressure. The result also highlighted the ongoing dynamic between Makhachev and the broader competitive field in the weight class, where athletes continually test strategies against one of the sport’s premier talents.
In the lead-up to his recent remarks, Covington had already weighed in on Makhachev’s plans to move into heavier weight classes, a topic that has drawn interest from fans and analysts alike. Covington’s assessment mirrors a recurring coaching perspective: the path to success against top-level champions often hinges on identifying and exploiting specific attributes while preserving one’s own core strengths. The dialogue around such strategic elements remains a central theme in conversations about MMA evolution, preparation, and competitive edge. The exchange also underscores Covington’s willingness to speak candidly about potential matchups, even when discussing opponents who consistently rank among the sport’s elite.