Colby Covington’s comment about Leon Edwards’ father set off the most explosive moment of the UFC 296 pre-fight press conference, making him the center of attention. After being shot outside of a nightclub, the late father of the Englishman became the victim of a homicide.
Edwards, who was only 13 years old at the time, claimed that his late father had engaged in illegal activity. During the press conference before the fight, Covington used the occasion to make a crude and extremely personal comment about the British fighter’s deceased father.
The heartbreaking tale of Leon Edwards’ father’s murder
When Edwards was just 14 years old, his father was shot and killed. To stay out of the criminal world, Leon and his brother began their MMA journey. After his opponent used derogatory language, the UFC welterweight champion lost it and threw a water bottle at him, almost starting a fight. Thankfully, security intervened to stop the possible brawl from getting worse.
Sadly, Nate Diaz and Conor McGregor got into a water bottle brawl at a pre-fight press conference before UFC 202, so this is not the first time it has happened. Furthermore, Covington’s use of an opponent’s family as a prop in his trash talk was not unprecedented either.
Colby Covington and Leon Edwards’ bout was almost immediately teased following Covington’s victory over Kamaru Usman in their trilogy fight at UFC 286. After the fight, Edwards mocked the idea that Covington would be his next opponent.
Due to Covington’s lack of activity, one-fight winning streak over a retired fighter, and zero wins over fighters currently ranked in the top 10 at welterweight, Edwards believed Covington wasn’t deserving of a shot at the title. Edwards had no option but to accept the UFC’s insistence that Covington be the next title challenger.
What offensive remark did Colby Covington make about Edwards’ father?
Flyweight champion Alexandre Pantoja of the UFC will take on flyweight competitor Brandon Royval to defend his title. UFC star Colby Covington, who is well-known for his ability to trash talk, recently took multiple jabs at UFC champion Leon Edwards during the UFC 296 press conference.
However, after ‘Chaos’ made a remark that infuriated Rocky, he hurled a water bottle at Colby, who was about to strike but was restrained by UFC security and management.
Leon was told by the former interim champion, “I’m taking you to the seventh layer of hell.” While we’re there, we’ll give your dad a “what’s up.” The champion chose to throw a bottle at Covington after he made fun of Leon Edwards‘ late father.
