Earlier tonight news broke that former interim welterweight champion Colby Covington would be returning to the octagon at August’s UFC Newark event against former division kingpin Robbie Lawler.

The booking came as a shock to many, as it was anticipated that Covington would serve as the first challenger to newly crowned division title holder Kamaru Usman.

‘The Nigerian Nightmare’ shared his thoughts on the Covington vs. Lawler news shortly following the bouts announcement (see that here).

ESPN‘s Ariel Helwani got in touch with Colby Covington later this evening and asked ‘Chaos’ why he accepted a fight with the ‘Ruthless’ one. Covington, who had previously stated he would not return for anything but a shot at UFC gold, explained his decision while seemingly taking shots at both Ben Askren and Kamaru Usman.

“UFC needed a main event on short notice so I agreed to defend my title in my first defense against the last real champion this division has had,” stated Colby Covington. “A bigger man and name than ‘Marty Fakenewsman’, the man Ben Askren is terrified of and couldn’t beat: living legend of combat sports Robbie Lawler. A former UFC champion and Hodge Trophy recipient We used to train together. He knows who I am and what I’m capable of and why I’m the present and future of this division.”

Covington has not competed inside the octagon since defeating Rafael dos Anjos via unanimous decision at UFC 225 in June of 2018, where he captured the promotions interim welterweight strap.

Meanwhile, Robbie Lawler returns to action for the first time since suffering a controversial first round loss to Ben Askren earlier this Spring.

What do you think of Colby Covington praising Robbie Lawler while taking some digs at Ben Askren and Kamaru Usman? Sound off in the comments section PENN Nation!

This article first appeared on BJPENN.com June 25, 2019