Colby Covington is willing to snag the drape for his "old friend," existing UFC heavyweight champ Jon Jones.

Speaking with mixed martial arts Fighting's Mike Heck, claimed he was open to the concept of sharing a card with "Bones," as both competitors have actually shown a need to contend during UFC 290 as part of International Fight Week in July. Covington as well as Jones have a storied history as they went from roomies to opponents. They shared an accommodation when they participated in Iowa Central Area University, yet their relationship has actually weakened throughout the years. They have actually aired their dislike for the other publicly too. As an example, Jones tweeted Covington had "herpes" and also Disorder claimed Bones made use of to throw individuals with windows in college.

Yet, his feelings for Bones will not stop Covington from fighting during the Las Vegas occasion this summer season, which is constantly among the most significant cards of the year. UFC head of state Dana White announced earlier this month that "Disorder" was successor for a 170-pound title shot versus champion Leon Edwards. The battle has to end up being authorities.

After Jones won the indisputable heavyweight champion at UFC 285 on March 5, he revealed eager interest in battling ex-champ Stipe Miocic on July 8.

" I believe now, with the way that it's toning up, International Fight Week is the greatest scene, the greatest spectacle, and they're speaking about Jon Jones and also Stipe [Miocic]-- who does not intend to see me on a stage with my old friend, old pal, Jon Jones?" Covington claimed. "Do you understand how funny that would be on phase at journalism conference? It's best. It's cash."

'Ultimate Businessman' Covington Will Fight Whenever the UFC Asks Him To

Covington was ensured the title tilt after he weighed in as the backup fighter for UFC 286's Edwards vs. Kamaru Usman. He wasn't needed, nonetheless, as Edwards bested Usman by means of bulk decision. Currently Covington will have a full camp to get ready for "Rocky" particularly.

Not everyone agrees that Disorder needs to be the next welterweight title challenger, consisting of Edwards himself. But, the UFC president appears to have actually composed his mind. As well as Covington is caring every moment of the conflict.

" The UFC understands I'm amazing with whatever-- co-headliner, centerpiece, whatever they want me to do," Covington said. "I'm the supreme businessman. I appear, I make weight, I don't miss weight by 9 extra pounds like that dog-faced gremlin [Khamzat Chimaev] I make my weight, championship weight on actually a day's notice [as well as] reduced 18 pounds, no excuses.

" I'll be ready. If they desire me to co-main occasion [UFC 290], I'll co-main event Global Fight Week. Whatever they want. If they want June, August, May, April, whatever the UFC wants. I'll leave that as much as the huge employers since they determine.

" Nobody else makes a decision-- not Leon, not these groupie journalists, these fanboys that are crying, which incidentally, it's absolutely amusing. If you're asking me exactly how I'm doing, I'm doing terrific due to the fact that every one of my haters are miserable now."

Covington's Fight With Edwards Would Be His 3rd Title Opportunity in 5 Fights

Covington got his chance at hoisting UFC gold in December 2019 when he fought Usman. The fight didn't go Chaos' way, nonetheless. It was a razor-thin contest up until "The Nigerian Nightmare" ended up Covington through fifth-round TKO.

Disorder bounced back with a TKO victory over former UFC 170-pound king Tyron Woodley in 2020 prior to receiving a second chance at dismissing Usman. They rematched at UFC 268 in November 2021 and although Covington made it to the scorecards in a closely objected to match, he was defeated by means of consentaneous choice.

He went back to the Octagon four months later on and also got a win over his bitter enemy, Jorge Masvidal, at UFC 272 in March 2022. Covington hasn't fought considering that.