Colby Covington is at it again—this time with a surprising new target. The former interim welterweight champion, known for his relentless trash talk and flair for chaos, has taken aim at none other than Paddy Pimblett. From rivals in his own division to stars like Jon Jones and Islam Makhachev, ‘Chaos’ has never shied away from stirring the pot. Now, following Pimblett’s stunning knockout win over Michael Chandler at UFC 314, Covington’s crosshairs have shifted once more—and the banter is only heating up.

After finishing Michael Chandler in a spectacular ground-and-pound sequence, Paddy Pimblett was at the backstage giving an interview to ESPN when Colby Covington ran into him calling slurs. ‘The Baddy’ then started moving towards the former interim welterweight champion to confront him finally, but was stopped by the security. Covington, on the other hand, had to be escorted away from Pimblett.

It was a moment of chaos for everyone present, as both Colby Covington and Paddy Pimblett are high-level fighters, and any altercation could have pulled them into it. At the post-fight press conference, the UFC CEO was asked about Paddy Pimblett’s performance, to which he stated, “Yeah, people keep counting him out, but he keeps getting better and better and better every time he shows up. Paddy Pimblett showed tonight that he is the real deal—beating Michael Chandler, and beating him the way he did. I don’t know how to doubt the kid anymore.”

Interestingly, one of the reporters asked the UFC CEO about the altercation between Paddy Pimblett and Colby Covington, and the CEO appeared a bit confused, as he had only recently heard about it, “Yeah i just heard that on the way here. It happens all the time back here tho.” 

Backstage altercations are a common phenomenon in the realm of combat sports, and many high-profile fights have been booked as a result—such as the upcoming clash between Sean O’Malley and Merab Dvalishvili. Well, Covington’s call-out might have backfired on him, as the MMA community is not amused by his antics.

Fans react to altercation between Paddy Pimblett and Colby Covington

Do you know why Dana White loves Colby Covington despite his losses? It’s due to the fact that the fighter knows how to stay relevant within the UFC. In one of his conversations, the UFC CEO even asserted, “You have to embrace the hate too… If you are the type of fighter who walks in and everyone boos you, that’s incredible; it’s awesome.” Win or lose, if you are relevant, then you will win the money game within the UFC. Looking at this, a fan wrote, “Relax guys there are just setting new fight.”

Colby Covington is known as one of the best trash-talkers in the history of the promotion. His banter with Leon Edwards and Kamaru Usman was iconic (albeit controversial), and it appears that ‘Chaos’ has now found some utility in targeting Paddy Pimblett: “Colby sees opportunity in Paddy.” Furthermore, another fan added, “Let them fight what the hell.”

Colby Covington is riding a two-fight losing streak, and he is 3-1 in his last four fights. The former interim welterweight champion is trying to keep his belt in the headlines, and a fan thinks this as well: “Colby trying to stay relevant.”

A social media user believe that Paddy Pimblett would put the lights out of Colby Covington,“Paddy beaks the absolute breaks off that bozo Colby would need to get authorities involved mid fight.”

Last but not the least, a social media user emphasized that Covington is washed, “Colby so washed he’s resorting to confronting a fighter coming off a finish already tonight in the weight class beneath him. Sheeeh.”

Will their back-and-forth amount to a full-fledged fight? Dana White can make that happen considering the fact that ‘Chaos’ is close to him. Regardless, what are your thoughts on the hubbub? State your opinion in the comments below.