To the surprise of many, Colby Covington has nothing negative to say about Dillon Danis ahead of their RAF07 co-headliner.
Covington will get back on the wrestling mats when he takes on fellow polarizing combat sports figure Danis on the March 28 card at Yuengling Center in Tampa, Fla. (FOX Nation).
Both men have made careers out of agitating fans and competitors, but Covington is approaching the matchup with a change of his traditional tact.
“He’s a strong guy – he’s got the strength of 10 men,” Covington told MMA Junkie. “He fought those 10 Dagestanis last time in that Khabib brawl (at UFC 322), so that’s someone that’s not to be underestimated and to be respected. So I respect Dillon. It’s going to be a great match. He has a lot of combat sports knowledge, a former champion. It’s going to be a great match and I’m excited to get out that on those RAF mats again.
“I think this match is going to be a battle. He’s been working really hard. He’s been trying to get into UFC and get these big matches. We saw him beat up Logan Paul in boxing so bad that Logan has to sue him. He’s fought 10 guys before, those 10 Dagestanis, so he’s got the strength of 10 men. There’s no handouts on March 28. I’m going to have to earn it the hard way.”
Covington is fully focused on keeping busy with RAF after he claims he’s been struggling to get a UFC fight. He’s “bummed” about not getting on a spot on the UFC Freedom 250 card at the White House, so all his efforts are going toward thriving at wrestling.
“This is what I’ve been doing my whole life,” Covington said. “This is my true love. This is what I would’ve been doing if there was an RAF around when I was in high school. There was no way to transition through college wrestling into a professional scene. It was only go to the UFC if you wanted to make money and have a financial future for yourself. If I would’ve had the chance to do RAF out of college, there would’ve never been a UFC for me. There would’ve just been RAF. This is my passion, this is my love and I’m excited to give back.”
Although Covington is entering the match with Danis with a respectful mentality, he admits he’s prepared for that not to be reciprocated. Danis is a wild card in any situation, so Covington will have his guard up during event week and at the conclusion of the match, too.
“I think I just always prepare myself for worst-case scenario,” Covington said. “Then nothing unexpected happens. I’m the ultimate professional. I’m a company guy. I love RAF and everything they’ve done for me, but I can’t control other people’s emotions or what will happen or what he’ll do. But I think Dillon has learned his lessons from the past. He’s a more professional guy these days. But I always stay ready.”
