UFC 296 news conference: Colby Covington's shocking comment about Leon Edwards' late father prompts angry scenes
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Updated 15/12/2023 at 15:46 GMT
There were angry scenes at the UFC 296 news conference as Colby Covington made a shocking comment about Leon Edwards' late father ahead of their welterweight fight in Las Vegas. "I'm bringing you to the seventh layer of hell," Covington said to Edwards. "We'll say 'what's up' to your dad while we're there." Edwards responded by throwing a bottle of water as security quickly separated the pair.
Colby Covington is seen on stage during the UFC 296 press conference at MGM Grand Garden Arena
Image credit: Getty Images
Colby Covington’s shocking comment about Leon Edwards’ late father “being in hell” sparked an angry reaction from the Englishman at the UFC 296 news conference.
Edwards, the welterweight champion, will put his title on the line when he goes head-to-head with challenger Covington in the main event at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, live on TNT Sports Box Office on Saturday night.
There were heated scenes at Thursday’s pre-fight press conference after Covington – who was dressed as George Washington – goaded Edwards about his late father, who was murdered in London in 2004.
"I'm bringing you to the seventh layer of hell," Covington said to Edwards. "We'll say 'what's up' to your dad while we're there."
Edwards responded by throwing a bottle of water at Covington before security separated the pair.
Covington continued to goad Edwards, saying: “He’s the ultimate feeling champion. He's no ultimate fighting champion. Better get the tissues ready.”
Covington makes a return to the Octagon for the first time since beating Jorge Masvidal by unanimous decision in March 2022, while Edwards is on an 11-fight winning streak, most notably knocking out Kamaru Usman to claim the welterweight championship belt in August 2022.
Pimblett calls Ferguson 'sensitive little boy'
The main card also includes Paddy Pimblett facing Tony Ferguson, with the Liverpudlian making his return from injury for the first time since a narrow win over Jared Gordon a year ago.
The pair were involved in a spicy war of words ahead of their lightweight clash.
“Just because everyone likes you here, it’s going to be funny to see you asleep on the floor on Saturday night,” said Pimblett.
“I don't care about you, you're just another obstacle in the way.”
Pimblett pointed out that Ferguson had blocked him on social media channel Instagram, adding: “You little sensitive boy”.
He continued: “Your head’s gone, you need to grow up.”
Former interim champion Ferguson, 39, has suffered six straight defeats.
"I can't wait to bring the heat out of you, I hope the old Tony turns up, not this washed up one," said Pimblett.
What time does Edwards v Covington start?
The broadcast of the preliminary card will be available for TNT Sports subscribers to watch on TNT Sports 1 and discovery+ from 01:00. The main card will start from 03:00 and will be available exclusively on TNT Sports Box Office.
How to watch Edwards v Covington in the UK on TV
UFC 296: Edwards vs. Covington costs £19.99 in the UK and can be watched through EE TV, Virgin Media TV and Sky, online via the web or the TNT Sports Box Office App. You do not need to be a TNT Sports subscriber to buy this event.
- Sky customers can purchase TNT Sports Box Office on channel 490 via their remote control or via https://www.sky.com/boxoffice/tnt-sports
- Customers in the Republic of Ireland can purchase TNT Sports Box Office via Sky at https://www.sky.com/boxoffice/tnt-sports - €29.99 or €34.99 (on the day)
- Virgin Media TV customers in the UK: customers with a TiVo and/or V6 set-top-box should visit the On-Demand section and choose Live Events; customers with a Virgin TV 360 and/or Stream set-top-box should go to the Pay Per View rail
- EE TV customers can go to channel 494 and pay using their remote control.
- Viewers wanting to watch the fight online should visit www.tntsports.co.uk/boxoffice and follow instructions to subscribe and watch on the web or on the TNT Sports Box Office App, customers can choose to watch on the big screen using Google Chromecast and Apple Airplay.
- EE, Three, Vodafone and O2 customers watching online or via the TNT Sports Box Office App can choose to add the payment to their mobile bill.
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TNT Sports presents the premium live sports rights previously carried by BT Sport including the Premier League, UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, UEFA Conference League, Gallagher Premiership Rugby, Investec Champions Cup, EPCR Challenge Cup, MotoGP, Cricket, UFC, Boxing and WWE. The streaming home for TNT Sports in the UK is discovery+, where fans can enjoy a subscription that includes TNT Sports, Eurosport and entertainment in one destination. You can also watch TNT Sports through BT, EE, Sky, and Virgin Media
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