Khabib Nurmagomedov became the UFC Lightweight Champion after defeating Al Iaquinta by unanimous decision in the main event of UFC 223.
While Nurmagomedov has yet to announce any plans to move up a weight class, welterweight fighter Colby Covington doesn?t thing the lightweight champion would fare well at 170 pounds.
?I think it works for the little lightweight division, but that (expletive) doesn?t fly at welterweight,? Covington told MMA Junkie Radio. ?You?ve got a real All-American wrestler, not some sambo dude, so if he comes up to welterweight, he?s going to get his head dunked and balls put on his forehead just like the rest of them. I don?t think he?s that impressive. He couldn?t even finish a real estate agent. That?s (expletive) sad.?
Covington has an opportunity to win the UFC Interim Welterweight Title at UFC 225, which means both he and Nurmagomedov could be champions simultaneously in the UFC this June.
The welterweight contender even believes that Nurmagomedov?s style is one dimensional at best.
?I watched the fight a couple of times,? he said. ?(Khabib) just goes forward and looks for takedowns and pressure. He doesn?t have any striking power. He?s not a well-rounded fighter like myself. I can beat people on the feet; I can beat people on the ground. It doesn?t matter. Guys have a lot more to worry about when they?re fighting me than they do fighting Khabib. He?s just one-dimensional. I?m the most well-rounded fighter on the planet.?
UFC 225 takes place on Saturday, June 9 from the United Center in Chicago, Illinois with Robert Whittaker and Yoel Romero headlining. Fightful is providing live coverage of the event, with a post-show podcast to follow.