‘Absolutely disgusting’: Fighters outraged by Colby Covington’s UFC 296 presser comment about Leon Edwards’ dead father

Colby Covington once again found himself under the microscope of criticism on Thursday after he made what most believe was an offside comment toward Leon Edwards at the UFC 296 pre-fight press conference.

During an exchange between the pair, who meet for the welterweight title in Saturday’s pay-per-view headliner at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas following prelims on ESPN2 and ESPN+, Covington (17-3 MMA, 12-3 UFC) went low with a tasteless remark about Edwards’ (20-3 MMA, 12-2 UFC) father, who was murdered when he was 13, being in “hell.”

The statement made Edwards furious enough to throw a water bottle at Covington, and the pair were kept far apart during their staredown after speaking to reporters.

“Rocky” wasn’t the only one who was agitated by Covington’s words, however. Many MMA fighters expressed their disdain over social media, and the consensus was Covington had gone too far.

Check out the top reactions below.

Jamahal Hill

I hope Leon delivers one of the most brutal knocks will have ever seen on Saturday!!!! That comment about Leons father was so low and pathetic bro somebody like that should never have a belt!!!

— Jamahal Hill (@JamahalH) December 15, 2023

Joe Gianetti

I think what Colby said about Leon’s father was crossing the line, but this is so true⬇️. Conor has said the same things, jon jones has beat his wife and ya’ll love them. Don’t pick and choose your moral high ground, just Shut up and enjoy the fights🤷🏻‍♂️ https://t.co/E1KVaiQc1s

— Joe Joe Giannetti 💀 (@Giannettimma) December 15, 2023

Rhys McKee

Colby is trash, the fake bad guy narrative is borderline funny but bringing in very real life situations isn’t, deserves the beating he’s bound for..let’s go champ @Leon_edwardsmma

— Rhys McKee (@RhysMcKee) December 15, 2023

Nazim Sadykhov

I understand promo and all that. But to disrespect a dead father is something that could put you in a body bag. Promote the fight all you want, but chill w that

— Nazim Sadykhov (@naz_mma) December 15, 2023

Lerone MurphyBrian MooreKenny MokhonoanaCameron ElseJack ShoreChael Sonnen

If you aren’t willing to go to far you will never go far enough.

— Chael Sonnen (@ChaelSonnen) December 15, 2023

Ramsey NijemKevin Ferguson JrRampage Jackson

I think Colby Covington took it too far at the press conference today 😡

— Rampage Jackson (@Rampage4real) December 15, 2023

Marvin VettoriJourney NewsonChris Bungard

Fuck colby man, dropping that dad line. Hope Leon ends him now.

— Chris Bungard (@CowaBungard) December 15, 2023

Mike JacksonAli AbdelazizMike Davis

If Usman could defend the wrestling of Colby and Leon can defend the wrestling of Usman… then Colby really stands no chance right ? is that math mathin ?

— Mike “Beast Boy” Davis (@MikeDavisMMA) December 15, 2023

Henry Cejudo

Breaking down UFC 296 press conference. I have Mr 1776 team America 2 -0 English. Will Leon Edwards fight emotional on Saturday night is my big question! Who you guys got?

Full breakdown in My bio ⬆️⬆️⬆️ pic.twitter.com/MLnGocBhB6

— Henry Cejudo (@HenryCejudo) December 15, 2023

Derek Brunson

Colby made a remark about Leon deceased father at the press conference from my understanding . Doesn’t get any unclassier than that . Masvidal come serve him some more act right ! What a clown 🤡

— Derek Brunson (@DerekBrunson) December 15, 2023

Belal Muhammad

That’s why I been saying masvidal Was right in giving this bozo brain damage and a chipped tooth

— Belal Muhammad (@bullyb170) December 15, 2023

Muhammad Mokaev

Colby is POS for talking smack about Leon’s father

— Muhammad Mokaev (@muhammadmokaev) December 15, 2023

Kamaru UsmanMegan Anderson

There’s trash talking in mma, but to stoop to that level.. absolutely disgusting by Colby #UFC296

— Megan Anderson (@MeganAnderson) December 15, 2023

Antonio Carlos Junior

For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC 296.

Story originally appeared on MMA Junkie