UFC 296: Leon Edwards and Colby Covington face-off at emotionally-charged weigh-in

An emotionally-charged Leon Edwards was held again by safety as he confronted off with Colby Covington earlier than the pair’s welterweight title battle at UFC 296 in Las Vegas on Saturday.

British champion Edwards weighed in at 170lb with American Covington 169.5lb.

“That man [Covington] is as good as dead tomorrow,” mentioned Edwards.

“Make sure he keeps everything he said about my dad just… tomorrow, we settle it.”

Edwards gave Covington a chilly stare as quickly as he walked on stage for the weigh-in earlier than strolling straight as much as the previous interim champion.

Covington goaded Edwards however the Birmingham fighter did not say a phrase, as a substitute selecting to proceed staring at the American.

Edwards’ physique language was completely different to earlier fights, the place the 32-year-old usually cuts a relaxed, reserved determine.

Angered by Covington’s crass touch upon Thursday, Edwards’ feelings seemed to be near boiling over because the pair confronted off for the ultimate time earlier than their bout.

In an interview afterwards with the BBC, Edwards mentioned Covington’s feedback reveal “what sort of man he is”.

“Obviously yesterday I was a bit emotional but it is what it is. I think it shows the character of the man he is and it makes it much more easier to go out there and hurt him,” mentioned Edwards.

“I do not need an apology. He mentioned what he mentioned. He’s utilizing my dad’s loss of life. As a person I’d by no means do this, I’d by no means communicate of the lifeless, however that is who he’s.

“I’ve spoken to my household, my mum and I’ve an awesome crew behind me. I’ve obtained to be chilly, follow my sport plan, take heed to my coaches and safe victory.”

Covington, grinning and interacting with the gang, was greeted by a mix of cheers and boos as he made his means on stage.

The 35-year-old is usually brash and outlandish within the hope of garnering consideration round his fights, however his feedback about Edwards’ father have drawn criticism from fellow fighters and pundits.

Birmingham’s Edwards is making the second defence of his title after beating Kamaru Usman in March, whereas Covington final fought 21 months in the past, defeating Jorge Masvidal.

Elsewhere, Liverpool’s Paddy Pimblett and American Tony Ferguson each made weight for his or her light-weight contest.

Pimblett, 28, was booed as he walked on stage however embraced the jeers, grinning and encouraging the gang to boo louder.

A fired-up Pimblett then shadowboxed earlier than being greeted by 39-year-old Ferguson.

The pair have been silent as they confronted off, selecting to stare at one another with their fists held up.

Pimblett, who earned a slender win over Jared Gordon one yr in the past, is combating for the primary time since ankle surgical procedure in March, whereas former interim champion Ferguson is seeking to halt a six-fight dropping streak.

The co-main occasion sees a flyweight title battle between Brazilian champion Alexandre Pantoja and American Brandon Royval.

When Edwards has been requested beforehand what he thinks about Covington’s persona, he has laughed it off, describing the American as a “clown” who engages in “innocent banter”.

During the early phases of Thursday’s information convention, Edwards displayed the identical response – he was poking enjoyable at Covington’s George Washington outfit and laughing at his jibes.

But that every one modified following Covington’s crass remark about Edwards’ late father.

Edwards, normally so calm and collected, snapped and tried to get to Covington earlier than being held again by safety.

Covington’s remark left a bitter style which is able to linger till the pair meet contained in the octagon on Saturday.

The incident raises questions on trash speaking and whether or not it is acceptable for fighters to say no matter they need, irrespective of how despicable, within the title of promoting a battle.

Edwards says the incident hasn’t made issues private between the pair, however it will likely be fascinating to see if it has any impact on the battle.

One of Edwards’ greatest strengths is his persistence and counter-striking means, but when he goes in there attempting to complete the battle too early, it might play into Covington’s palms.

Edwards might swing too onerous or over-reach which Covington can benefit from together with his takedowns.

On the opposite hand, if Edwards can keep calm and channel his emotion into his putting, Covington might remorse giving the champion that additional impetus.