UFC welterweight Colby Covington has drawn the ire of fight fans and fighters alike for his controversial statements from last year’s UFC Sao Paulo. With the fighter now set to return to Brazil, Covington has revealed that things are maybe more heated than initially realized.
Colby Covington faced off against Brazilian native Demian Maia at UFC Sao Paulo in 2017. The fight ultimately went the distance, with Covington earning a decision victory over his opponent.
In his post-fight interview, Covington called Brazil a “dump” and the arena crowd “filthy animals.” Former UFC heavyweight champion and Brazilian native Fabricio Werdum would go on to assault the fighter over the incident with a boomerang when the two crossed paths in Australia.
Now Covington is set to face Brazilian native and former UFC lightweight champion Rafael dos Anjos for the UFC interim welterweight title in the co-main event of UFC 214. UFC 214 will go down in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil on May 12.
Speaking to ESPN, Covington revealed that he has received death threats concerning the incident.
“This fight is legendary status. This will imprint my name into history.
“It was a little nerve-racking [agreeing to the fight]. I know people who want me dead there. I have received a lot of death threats. I’ve been told someone is offering a bounty on my head, to murder me before I make it to the Octagon.”
