In the Tone of Matthew McConaughey: Article Summary
Controversial MMA fighter Colby Covington is facing backlash from fans and fellow fighters after making a crass joke about Leon Edwards' deceased father during the UFC 296 pre-fight press conference.
Outrageous Comment
During the press conference, Covington aimed to provoke Edwards by saying, "I'm bringing you to the seventh layer of hell. We'll say what's up to your dad there."
Edwards, whose father was murdered when he was 13 years old, reacted angrily to the comment. He grabbed a water bottle and threw it at Covington, who was dressed in a George Washington-esque suit and a MAGA hat.
Disgusted Reactions
Fans and viewers were shocked and disgusted by Covington's comment. One fan tweeted, "Colby Covington took it too far at the press conference today." Another expressed, "'It's just promotion bro.' No, the f**k it ain't."
Many condemned Covington's statement, with one viewer stating, "Colby Covington implying he'll see Leon Edwards' murdered father in Hell is genuinely one of the grossest things I've seen at a UFC presser. That's not even good fight promotion. It's just being a s***y human."
Some fans called for Covington to be held accountable for his words, while others simply said, "F**k Colby."
Fighters Speak Out
Fellow fighters also expressed their disgust with Covington's comment. Muhammad Mokaev called Covington a "piece of s**t" for talking smack about Edwards' father, while Lerone Murphy labeled him a "scumbag" and called for accountability.
Belal Muhammad, a backup fighter for the main event, even referenced a previous incident where Jorge Masvidal assaulted Covington, saying, "That's why I been saying Masvidal was right in giving this bozo brain damage and a chipped tooth."
Edwards' Response
After being restrained by security, Edwards composed himself and didn't hold back when asked about Covington's remark. He called Covington a "piece of s**t" and warned him to "keep that same energy backstage."
