Sometimes, things just make sense. No explanation or justification is needed, it just fits, and everybody knows it. Dustin Poirier vs Colby Covington is one of those instances. It’s a multi-faceted, engaging, high-stakes grudge match between two of our sport’s most mainstream figures. Let’s discuss.
Following on from an impressive, gutsy, but albeit losing effort in his UFC 302 Lightweight Championship opportunity, former Interim belt-holder Dustin Poirier made it no secret that the sun is setting on his illustrious career. Neither he or us knew with any certainty if we’d ever seen him walk to the esteemed Octagon again. But by the power of X, we know there’s one more left in the tank of Louisiana’s finest. Another opportunity to showcase his unique blend of elite mixed martial arts ability and unrelenting determination within the fabled eight-sided chamber of violence that he’s called home for over 13 years. Woah, I just gave myself chills.
If Dustin Poirier is the hero of this story, Colby Covington is his ideal heel. Well, actually, he’s everybody’s heel. Chaos’ sharp tongued scathing of his opponents is so engrained into his persona that it’s nye on impossible to picture him as anything else. But he wasn’t always like this. Covington’s bravado is entirely constructed with dollar signs in mind, and, on that basis, you have to credit him because my word has it worked. Love him or hate him, the guy is a star. But just being able to spit venom with a microphone doesn’t grant you three chances at undisputed gold, or an interim championship wrapped around your waist. Colby’s unstoppable pressure and wrestling offence is just as deadly as his words, if not more.
Just based of what I’ve already said I bet you’re already sold, but there is a far more personal edge to this as well. Covington’s behavior and mannerisms whilst training at American Top Team didn’t just urk Jorge Masvidal, but pretty much everybody else as well. Poirier more so than most. His personal disdain for Colby coupled with the signature low-blow jibes aimed at his wife in particular and his friendship with Gamebred creates a trifecta of narrative for this bout. Storytelling within MMA doesn’t get much more compelling that that.
Both of these two have already etched their names in UFC folklore. Their place amongst the greats has long been cemented, and for good reason. But although neither would admit it, as their careers stand right now, they both need eachother. A true blockbuster with personal bragging rights on the line sits within our grasp, so let’s make it happen. It just makes sense.
Photo Credit – MMA Fighting and BBC
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