Colby Covington returns to take on former UFC champ Robbie Lawler

Despite Colby Covington’s (14-1) attempts to get a title shot against rival and reigning welterweight champion Kamaru Usman, a fight for the title will not be next up for the controversial fighter. According to ESPN’s Brett Okamoto Covington will now face former welterweight champion Robbie Lawler (28-13) in the main event at UFC on ESPN 5 in New Jersey on August 5th.

Covington released the following statement when the fight was announced, slamming both Usman and top ranked welterweight Ben Askren.

Colby Covington vs. Robbie Lawler is the main event for the Aug. 3 card in Newark. First reported by @bokamotoESPN.

I asked Covington why he’s taking this fight when he appeared so close to getting a title shot, and here’s what he said: pic.twitter.com/4zEZP3ocsI

— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) June 25, 2019

UFC Betting Odds for Lawler vs Colby – odds provided by Ohmbet

Ohmbet are first out with betting lines for the match up, with Lawler as underdog at 2.40 and with Covington as a comfortable favourite at 1.50.

Covington is without a doubt one of the most controversial and outspoken fighters in the UFC. As of now he’s on an impressive six fight winning streak including wins over two time title challenger Demian Maia and former lightweight champion Rafael dos Anjos. After bulldozing dos Anjos for five rounds Covington won the interim welterweight title, but was later stripped of his championship belt due to him not being able to fight in a unification bout when asked.

Fan favourite Lawler has had a tough run as of late. He lost his title to Tyron Woodley in 2016, but rebounded with a decision win over Donald Cerrone. Since then he has lost two straight fights to above mentioned dos Anjos and Askren – the loss to Askren occurred under controversial circumstances and has been criticised by many.