Why Colby Covington passed on the Ian Machado Garry fight

In an intriguing twist within the MMA world, the highly anticipated fight between Colby Covington and Ian Machado Garry has hit a wall. Covington, the brash fighter known for his polarizing personality, has withdrawn from a fight with undefeated Garry. To put it bluntly, Covington doesn’t see enough dollar signs in this matchup to risk stepping into the octagon. This revelation has sparked debates and stirred the pot within the MMA community.

Covington (17-4 MMA, 12-4 UFC) and Garry (14-0 MMA, 7-0 UFC) had exchanged insults and seemed destined for a fierce clash. However, the fight fell apart when Covington decided to avoid Garry as he did not consider the fight lucrative enough. This comes after Covington’s most recent loss to welterweight champion Leon Edwards at UFC 296, where he suffered a foot injury. Since then he has been rather dormant, focusing more on recovery than future fights.

The power of Covington’s decision lies in its calculated nature. He addressed Daniel Cormier’s comments and urged him to “recognize the situation he is in and fight Garry.” Covington’s response came sharply via the “SOSCAST with Adam Sosnick,” where he dismissed Cormier’s suggestions as mere clickbait and underscored his position as a self-proclaimed A-side fighter. Covington emphasized his timeline and hinted that he would prioritize his physical health over hasty decisions. Covington claimed his swagger and boldly said he doesn’t need to fight again because of the money he made; they are on his terms.

This attitude is having a ripple effect on the MMA scene. First, it portrays the delicate balancing act that fighters at the top must maintain between health, money and legacy. Covington is a veteran of the sport, having competed against top champions for years. Foregoing what he considers a low-reward fight is a maneuver to ensure his future fights have maximum financial and career benefits.

For Garry, this avoidance is a double-edged sword. On the one hand, the denial of a high-profile fighter like Covington cements Garry’s rising star in the sport. Covington’s evasion speaks volumes about Garry’s threat level. The downside, however, is that Garry misses an opportunity to accelerate his rise to superstardom by taking out a big-name figure like Covington. This undoubtedly fuels his frustration, but also paves the way for Garry to channel this momentum into his upcoming fight against Michael Page at UFC 303.

From a broader MMA industry perspective, this dynamic underlines the sport’s complex matchmaking complexities. Fighters maneuver like chess pieces, with every move potentially leading to a future payday or a title shot. Covington’s cautious and calculated approach could set a precedent for other top fighters to be judicious in their fight selections, ensuring longevity and profitability in their careers.

Meanwhile, fans are left with a mixed bag of emotions. The potential barnburner between Covington and Garry remains a tantalizing what-if scenario, adding to the sport’s ever-present appeal of unpredictability.

In conclusion, Colby Covington’s decision to bypass Garry not only reshapes immediate fight narratives, but also underlines the strategic layers in the modern MMA landscape. Both fighters are now shifting their paths and following future steps in their quest for glory. As Covington heals and prepares for a bigger challenge, Garry’s inexorable rise follows suit, keeping eyes on the future in this ever-evolving sport.