Paul Felder questions the sincerity of Colby Covington’s character.
Covington (17-5 MMA, 12-5 UFC) embraces his heel personality, which has helped increase his popularity significantly from his days as a rising welterweight contender. An avid supporter of U.S. President Donald Trump, Covington pulls no punches when addressing just about anyone on the UFC roster.
However, Felder has noticed a change in his behavior – at least when it comes to his organic linkups. Covington was recently seen greeting former rival Kamaru Usman, and Paddy Pimblett shared his own recent experience with Covington.
“Walked past Colby Covington, he stared at the floor,” Pimblett said on his YouTube channel. “Talks a big game online, sh*ts his undies in person.”
Felder thinks Covington isn’t who he portrays.
“Recently there was also an encounter with Kamaru Usman when Kamaru walked by Colby, and he was just nothing but respectful,” Felder said on the “Believe You Me” podcast. “I think that his persona is fading. Do you know what I mean? I think he’s struggling to keep up that MAGA, Mr. America bully from college persona these days. I think he’s even himself struggling to get through it because the real issue is – and Paddy’s right – he is quiet in person. The real situation is that he has nothing really against you, Paddy. He really doesn’t actually want to talk sh*t to you.
“He doesn’t really want to talk sh*t to most of these guys. He’s only doing it so that he can keep himself relevant. I think when he’s finally retired, he’ll be the first to admit to you that it was all complete bullsh*t, 100 percent. I think now at late 30s, towards the end of his career, he’s struggling to keep the same face with that bullsh*t, and that’s the problem with that type of personality when it’s not genuine – because it’s not with Colby, because I’ve hung out with that guy for an extended period of time, and he’s not like that.”
