The champion of the world is the betting underdog again.
UFC president Dana White told fans that Colby Covington will be next in line to face Leon Edwards for his Welterweight title. Covington opened at -190 over the champion, per BestFightOdds.com
The odds have since gotten closer on many books.
Odds provided by betonline.ag as of March 18th, 2023, 4:20 PM EST.
Despite claiming the title of best Welterweight fighter in the world from Kamaru Usman, then beating him again at UFC 286, Edwards is not the favorite against the fighter he's set to face next. Edwards holds the record for the longest unbeaten streak in the division, at 12, and is one of the top pound-for-pound MMA fighters in the world. From a poor shelter in Jamaica to the prelims to the champion of the world, Edwards has been counted out every step of the way and has proven doubters wrong each time, producing unbelievable results.
Fans were shocked to see Colby Covington weigh in as the backup fighter at UFC 286 after having been MIA since his last fight against Jorge Masvidal. After defeating 'Gamebred' at UFC 272, many fans assumed his next fight would be against Khamzat Chimaev in a title eliminator, but with the Chechen moving up in weight, Covington is next in line. Edwards becoming champion may be his last shot at the title, as he's reached the age of 35 and has two title losses to Kamaru Usman already.
Let's take a look at some stats on their last fight odds:
Odds via fightodds.io
Colby Covington (-295) vs. Jorge Masvidal (+265) UFC 272 - Win
Colby Covington (+250) vs. Kamaru Usman (-275) - Loss
Colby Covington (-325) vs. Tyron Woodley (+295) UFC Fight Night 178 - Win
Colby Covington (+165) vs. Kamaru Usman (-175) UFC 245 - Loss
Colby Covington (-135) vs. Rafael Dos Anjos (+125) - UFC on ESPN 5
Odds via fightodds.io
Leon Edwards (+225) vs. Kamaru Usman (-265) UFC 286 - Win
Leon Edwards (+315) vs. Kamaru Usman (-345) UFC 278 - Win
Leon Edwards (-460) vs. Nate Diaz (+410) UFC 263 - Win
Leon Edwards (-265) vs. Belal Muhammad (+245) UFC Fight Night 187 - NC
Leon Edwards (-105) vs. Rafael Dos Anjos (-105) UFC on ESPN 4 - Win
Oddsmakers expect Covington's wrestling and pressure to be too much for the champion. Do you think the same? Let us know your prediction in the comments.