Predictions for colby's next fight?

[cooks1]

I'd like to think there are a few sensible options right now for colby covington. the welterweight division is sort of a strange place right now. I don't think the top guys are the best guys right now (shavkat, brady > belal, jorge) lets look at the options for him. he's in that two-losses-to-the-champ territory and we'll have to predict where he goes from here. I know many people don't like colby and a common narrative is that he wouldn't fight someone like luque or edwards or a "real" top 5 guy coming off of wins, but being as unbiased as we can, lets try to guess based on what is best for Colby's career from our own perspectives.

Option 1:

Khamzat

Pros for Colby

+ Most PPV and money colby get, This fight could probably Headline a PPV
+ HUGE amount of thunder to steal and could be to give a future legendary fighter his first loss.
+ Would silence all critique on him not fighting winning fighters
+ Quickest path to a title


Cons For colby
- He's more likely to lose to khamzat than any other WW fighter
- Khamzat is still green, so people may see it as a "prospect derail" instead of top 5 win over a great fighter
- If the UFC choses not to give him a title shot against usman even if he wins, It will have been a waste of time for colby.

Option 2

Belal

pros for Colby
+ Easiest fight for him in the top 5
+ legit top 5 win


Cons for Colby

- No way can he ask for a pay increase or ppv for this. The ufc match makers would never make this a main event maybe a co-main
- will probably get leap frogged by khamzat for a title shot
- won't be a main event, might not even be a 5 rounder
- belal isn't popular at all so there would be no way to hype this match up

Option 3

Burns

Pros for Colby
+ burns just had an exciting fight in his last fight so his value is high
+ Burns still in the middle of top 10, keeps colby's rank secure if he wins

Cons for Colby
- Gilbert is tough, this is a losable fight for colby
- No vendetta or real story to sell the fight
- Doesn't really guarantee him anything, as he's fighting another guy who is coming off a loss
- Could probably main event a Fight night, Or co-main a PPV, but won't headline a ppv like his last fight


Option 4

Edwards

Pros for Colby

+ If Usman were to lose to Edwards, Colby would probably get the next shot. as long as Usman didn't take a rematch.
+ Easier stylistic matchup for colby than burns or Khamzat while fighting some one in the higher ranking
+ depending on whether or not leon can make a name from himself by atleast having an exciting fight with usman his value could potentially rise

Cons for Colby

- Another fighter fighting Colby off a loss
- not a popular fighter, but fight could headline a fight night.
- No potential for ppv
- Could have to fight him in liverpool or his turf

Using past behavior as the best indication of future behavior, I am going to say none of the above. I think he avoids all these fighters and sits on the shelf for 9-12 months until a less threatening opportunity like a Diaz or Poirer comes along. Perhaps Stephen Thompson- since he is 39 and coming off 2 losses. That ticks a lot of Colby's boxes.

 

[jban]

I think it's gonna look like this soon

Usman vs Leon
Colby vs Khamzat
Belal vs Burns

That makes the most sense imo

This is what makes sense, but I seriously doubt Colby takes the Khamzat fight. He will say that due to his legal situation with Masvidal, he is not ready to fight Khamzat, or make something else up to avoid that fight. It is too risky for Colby, since I think Colby is an easier opponent than Burns for Khamzat, due to Colby lacking the knockout power necessary for Khamzat to fear that in a striking battle.

Colby will probably fight Wonderboy Thompson next, who is 39 and coming off two losses, and still in the top ten. Colby already has insulted Wonderboy multiple times the past two years, and knows Wonderboy would have trouble stopping his takedowns. Those are the opponents Colby likes, if he is not fighting the WW champion.

 

[Bend NvR Break]

I'm guessing a Masdival rematch.

Everyone will go bonkers and it will sell.

 

[Saye_mc]

Colby probably wants the easiest fight in the top ten , so he'll probably beat the fuck of canzhat next