Even the division’s perennial trash talker was impressed by Islam Makhachev’s victory.
The UFC 322 pay-per-view at Madison Square Garden concluded with the crowning of the promotion’s eleventh two-division champion.
Makhachev won the fight in a one-sided manner, and he immediately ascended to the top of a new weight class.
Colby Covington failed to reach the same goal at 170 pounds after three attempts. But that has not left him bitter or resentful toward the Dagestani, who has surprisingly avoided the American’s usual expletive-laden outbursts.
Ian Machado Garry, the latest news: predicts winner in fantasy fight between Georges St-Pierre (left) and Islam Makhachev (right).
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Colby Covington issues surprisingly complimentary reaction to Islam Makhachev’s welterweight title win
Covington responded to The Schmo’s recent interview about the latest title bout in the division in which he has been competing since 2014.
No man at 170 pounds has been safe from the former interim champion’s public attacks over the past few years, but that seems to have changed with Makhachev’s arrival in the division.
“No, I didn’t see it coming,” Covington said of the Russian’s title win in New York City.
“I thought he was the bigger guy and he would be able to overpower Makhachev, but hats off to him. He followed his game plan, and was able just to control the fight throughout.
“You’re going to have to stuff his takedowns and make him work like (Alexander) Volkanovski did in that first fight,”He also added what it would take to defeat Makhachev.
“You just stuff the takedowns and brawl with him. I think Topuria is the perfect fight for him. I think that fight needs to happen.”
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Fans were shocked to see Colby Covington’s positive take on Islam Makhachev’s performance
A number of fans reacted to Covington’s take on the UFC 322 main event.
Most focused on the American’s rare decision to…
2025-11-21 17:00:00
