COLBY COVINGTON was on the receiving end of some harsh words from Leon Edwards’ team after UFC 296.
The controversial UFC fan-favourite came up short in his third attempt to become welterweight champion last weekend.
GETTYColby Covington sought to dethrone Leon Edwards at UFC 296 last weekend[/caption]
APThe American ended up being dominated by ‘Rocky’ for five rounds[/caption]
GETTYEdwards’ retained his title via unanimous decision[/caption]
APThe controversial Covington was given an earful by Edwards’ head coach Dave Lovell after the fight[/caption]
Covington, 35, suffered a unanimous decision defeat after being dominated for five straight rounds by ‘Rocky’.
The American turned in an incredibly timid display, especially considering his outrageous pre-fight trash talk about Edwards’ late father.
Team Edwards weren’t in the mood for forgetting his crass comments after the verdict was read out, with head coach Dave Lovell giving him an earful.
The Team Renegade coach told SunSport: “I was still upset about what he said to Leon. I just wanted to make that point to him.”
MMA fans around the world were by and large in agreement at the abhorrent nature of Covington’s mocking of Edwards’ deceased father and his subsequent outrageous allegations.
Even UFC president and Chief Executive Dana White – who has long brushed off controversial trash talk as being part and parcel of the fight game – was left uncomfortable by the comments.
And in a brief pre-fight conversation with White, Lovell urged the veteran promoter to draw a line in pre-fight promotion sand going forward.
He said: “I did tell Dana, ‘Dana, look, you need to get a hold of this.
GettyColby Covington repeatedly made crass comments about Leon Edwards’ late father[/caption]
“‘Because you can’t be having this, you can’t be doing this.’”
Lovell is all too aware of the fact that a minority of fans will lap up such gutter talk but is steadfast in his belief that certain topics should be out of bounds.
He said: “Talking about people’s dead parents and all that [is wrong].
“[But people will say], ‘No, it’s the fight game.’”
The chances of Covington walking back on his comments and apologising to Edwards are slim to none.
But neither Edwards nor any member of his team will accept the former interim champion admitting the error of his ways and trying to atone for his actions.
Lovell said: “I just wanted to let Colby know that I still – we don’t want to know you after that.
INSTAGRAM@DAVIDLOVELLBOXINGDave Lovell insists Team Edwards won’t forgive Colby Covington for his comments[/caption]
“You’ve crossed a line that you can never come back from with us.”
Edwards was clinical in every aspect of the fight, much to the delight of his long-time coach and mentor.
Lovell said: “I was very impressed [with his performance].
“He kept to the game plan. Colby couldn’t manage his distance.
“When did and tried to come in, Leon picked him off – sharpshooted him – and showed him that he can handle him in the grappling.
“It was a clinical win. I would’ve liked a little bit more hands, but it is what it is. A win is a win.”
GettyLeon Edwards was beaming with joy after banking his second title defence[/caption]