15 December 2023 , 18:26
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There were no dramas at the UFC 296 weigh-ins as Leon Edwards and Colby Covington both made weight for their welterweight title fight.
American challenger Covington was the first of the two on the scale as he looked in great shape whilst weighing 169.5lb. Undisputed champion Edwards followed shortly after as he made championship weight at 170lb. All other fighters competing on the pay-per-view event also made weight, including Paddy Pimblett as he makes his return against Tony Ferguson following a year lay-off.
Edwards won the world title last August with a stunning last-gasp knockout against Kamaru Usman having lost the majority of the fight. The Jamaican-born Brit silenced any critics who labelled the win as a fluke when he defended his belt against Usman in March by beating him for the second time.
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Covington winded up Edwards at their press conference on Thursday afternoon but Edwards refused to stoop to his rival's level. Tempers flared when Covington made a vile joke about Edwards' dad, who was murdered in a London nightclub when the Brit was just a teenager.
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"You're the stupidest guy on the UFC roster, on Saturday night I'm bringing you to a place you never want to be. I'm bringing you to the seventh layer of hell, we'll say what's up to your dad whilst we're there," Covington said. Edwards was furious at Covington's disgusting remark as he threw a water bottle at him before they were separated by security. Covington's verbal assault didn't stop there as he added: "Little f****ng p****. He's the ultimate feeling champion, he's no ultimate fighting champion. Get the tissues ready."
Pimblett weighed in at 155.5lb for his fight against former interim champion Ferguson, who also stepped on the scale at the same weight. 'The Baddy' usually balloons up to over 200lb after his fights but he was able to stay more disciplined with his diet after beating Jared Gordon last December.
The Scouser broke his ankle in the opening round of the fight as he won on points in "one of the worst UFC decisions ever". Pimblett has vowed to put on a stunning performance against Ferguson and he chillingly told his rival: "When I'm standing over your unconscious body on Saturday night, you'll know who the f****ng boy is."