UFC 296: Leon Edwards and Colby Covington Engage in Heated Weigh-In Drama

The anticipation for UFC 296’s welterweight title fight between Leon Edwards and Colby Covington reached its peak during the emotionally charged weigh-in at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Both fighters came in under the 170-pound limit, with the British champion Edwards at 170 pounds and the American Covington at 169.5 pounds. But it was the emotional intensity that stole the show.

The tension was palpable as an impassioned Leon Edwards had to be restrained by security personnel when he confronted Colby Covington. The build-up to this fight had been marred by Covington’s controversial comment on Thursday, where he callously remarked that Edwards’ late father was “in hell.” Edwards didn’t hold back his emotions, declaring, “That man [Covington] is as good as dead tomorrow. Make sure he keeps everything he said about my dad just… tomorrow, we settle it.”

As soon as Covington stepped onto the stage for the weigh-in, Edwards locked eyes with him, displaying a cold and unwavering stare, refusing to engage in any verbal taunts from his opponent. This marked a stark departure from Edwards’ usual relaxed and reserved demeanor before fights.

The anger stemming from Covington’s insensitive remark was clearly evident in Edwards’ body language as the fighters faced off for the final time before their highly anticipated bout.

In a post-weigh-in interview with the BBC, Edwards reflected on Covington’s comments, stating, “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.”

He emphasized that he didn’t seek an apology from Covington, adding, “He said what he said. He’s using my dad’s death. As a man, I’d never do that, I’d never speak of the dead, but that’s who he is.”

Covington, on the other hand, appeared unfazed by the situation, grinning and interacting with the crowd. While his brash and outlandish persona has often been a way to garner attention, his comments about Edwards’ father drew criticism from fellow fighters and pundits alike.

Leon Edwards is making his second title defense after defeating Kamaru Usman in March, while Covington hasn’t fought in 21 months since his victory over Jorge Masvidal.

In other weigh-in highlights, Liverpool’s Paddy Pimblett and American Tony Ferguson made weight for their lightweight contest. Pimblett, despite being booed by the crowd, embraced the jeers and even encouraged them. The co-main event features a flyweight title fight between Brazilian champion Alexandre Pantoja and American Brandon Royval.

The controversy surrounding Covington’s comment has added an extra layer of intrigue to this already high-stakes welterweight clash. It remains to be seen how these emotions will play out in the octagon on Saturday night. Will Edwards maintain his composure and use his patience and counter-striking abilities to his advantage, or will Covington’s provocation lead Edwards into a high-risk strategy? One thing is for sure; this fight has become much more than just a battle for the title; it’s personal now.

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More about UFC 296 weigh-in drama

• UFC 296: Leon Edwards and Colby Covington Face-Off
• UFC Official Website
• BBC Sports
• Kamaru Usman
• Jorge Masvidal
• Paddy Pimblett
• Tony Ferguson
• Alexandre Pantoja
• Brandon Royval