The Grudge Match: Covington vs Woodley

This Saturday, we will finally see the much-anticipated bout between bitter rivals Colby Covington and Tyron Woodley.

The history between these two dates back to when Tyron Woodley was the Welterweight Champion and former training partner Colby Covington was on the rise. As Woodley’s title reign continued, Colby’s stock began to rise the ranks of the Welterweight division. Once it was apparent that these two top contenders were on a collision course, the rivalry began.

It is now years later, Woodley has lost his title, and Colby has lost his opportunity at the Welterweight Championship, but the bad blood remains.

While these two are at very different points in their careers from when the rivalry began, they will settle the score this Saturday.

Tyron Woodley

From each fighter’s perspective, there is so much to lose or gain from this fight. Beginning with the underdog Woodley, he has been on a rough stretch as of late. After losing his title to the current champion Kamaru Usman in a bout he was thoroughly dominated in, Woodley took an extended period of time off from the sport. Upon his return earlier this year, he faced the now number one contender Gilbert Burns in another bout he was dominated in. Woodley now faces number two ranked Colby Covington in a prove-it fight. Woodley needs to win this fight to show that he can still go in the Welterweight division. Should Woodley lose this fight, it puts his entire legacy in question.

Colby Covington

Now looking at Colby Covington, he also has a lot to prove in this fight. Colby’s status as a top contender is not in question like it is for Woodley, but Colby is angling for a second shot at the title against Kamaru Usman. Colby has been the only man to truly test Usman and a rematch would be highly anticipated.

While winning against Woodley may not immediately put Colby in a title fight with the winner of Usman-Burns, it could certainly provide him with a definite number one contender’s fight after this, if this is not already a number one contender’s fight.

There is so much at stake for both fighters on Saturday. With both fighters having strong wrestling backgrounds, they may look to clinch or trade on the feet. Woodley will have the advantage from distance, trying to land bigger, more powerful shots. However, if Colby can engage in the clinch, he can put his incredible pace and high output on Woodley.

The smart money for the fight would be to take Colby by points, but if Woodley can keep his distance, there could be an upset.