Former UFC interim welterweight champion Colby Covington has made an early prediction for a potential showdown with rising star Khamzat Chimaev. Covington, known for his relentless pressure wrestling and cardio, expressed confidence in his ability to defeat the undefeated Chechen-born Swedish fighter.
The prediction was reported by Giancarlo Aulino for Heavy.com on November 4, 2026. Covington and Chimaev have been linked as potential opponents in the welterweight division, with both fighters ranked among the elite at 170 pounds. Chimaev, who burst onto the UFC scene with dominant performances, has faced questions about his ability to handle top-tier wrestling, while Covington's pace and volume striking have troubled the division's best.
Neither fighter has a bout officially scheduled against the other as of the report date. Covington's most recent appearance came in a title challenge against Leon Edwards at UFC 296 in December 2023, while Chimaev's last fight was a majority decision win over Kamaru Usman at UFC 294 in October 2023.
