Colby Covington weigh-in: 'Chaos' accused of "hiding" by UFC welterweight contender

Colby Covington made a shocking appearance as the back-up fighter for the main event of UFC 286. Covington's last bout was in March 2022, against Jorge Masvidal and the UFC have not hinted as to what lies ahead for the former title challenger.

Fellow welterweight title contender Belal Muhammad, who is on a 9-fight unbeaten streak, believes that 'Chaos' is avoiding a fight with him. He took to Twitter following Covington's arrival as the back-up fighter for UFC 286, and said this:

Rumors began to emerge last night that Colby Covington may be in London, where this weekend's pay-per-view card is being held, as the back-up replacement. Kamaru Usman and Leon Edwards were asked to share their thoughts on Covington being the emergency replacement, something neither man knew anything about.

'Chaos' successfully made the welterweight championship weight limit of 170 pounds earlier today. But it appears that he will not be needed as both Usman and Edwards also made weight without issue.

Watch Colby Convington's appearance at the weigh-ins below:

Colby Covington's future seemed unclear prior to UFC 286 fight week, but his surprise appearance has led to speculation that he could face the winner of Leon Edwards vs. Kamaru Usman.

Rumors of a bout with Khamzat Chimaev circled towards the end of last year. But with Chimaev's camp appearing uncertain about whether 'Borz' will remain at welterweight or not, the UFC may delay any negotiations between the pair.

It is common knowledge that Chimaev struggles more than most with cutting down to 171 pounds. He missed weight by over 8 pounds in his previous bout at UFC 279 and it is possible that 'Borz' will move to middleweight.

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Michael Bisping credits Colby Covington's commitment after he is revealed as UFC 286 back-up

Colby Covington was recently revealed as the back-up fighter for the main event of UFC 286 this weekend between Leon Edwards and Kamaru Usman.

Michael Bisping, who is currently working as an analyst for BT Sport when he is not commentating on UFC fights, commended Covington's willingness to be the replacement fighter this weekend. 'Chaos' is a polarizing figure within MMA, and has become one of the most controversial fighters in the sport over recent years.

But according to Bisping, whether you "love him or hate him", Colby Covington deserves respect for his drive and commitment.

"Fair play to Colby... That's a hard thing to do, he would have done a training camp, to do a weight cut, the mental hardship, sacrifice, the dieting, sitting in a sauna - to do that when you're not guarenteed a fight, all respect to Colby."

Watch the video below 0:25: