Dana White talks Covington as a backup for UFC 286, Jones vs. Miocic, Conor McGregor’s USADA situation, more
LONDON – Dana White provided updates on some of the sport’s biggest stars ahead of UFC 286.
As the UFC returns to The O2 for the welterweight title trilogy bout between champion Leon Edwards and Kamaru Usman, White discussed plenty of topics.
Speaking in a media scrum with reporters, White discussed Colby Covington’s backup role for Edwards vs. Usman, Jon Jones vs. Stipe Miocic, Conor McGregor’s situation with USADA, and more.
You can read White’s comments by scrolling below:
Dana White says Colby Covington as a backup is no secret
“We didn’t keep him a secret. I didn’t even know it was such a big secret. We’re out there doing what we do. I’m not really aware of what you guys know and what you don’t know until it happens. So, it wasn’t anything that was being kept a secret. We have a backup for every fight. It’s never a big deal, nobody really asked, ‘Who’s the backup for this fight?’ And it’s not anything we really promote.”
Jon Jones vs. Stipe Miocic in July?
“Well, I don’t know. We’ll see. A lot of stuff goes on publicly that isn’t necessarily the case behind the scenes, but I hope so.”
“Stipe has never tried to get out of anything ever. This guy is looked at the greatest or one of the greatest heavyweights of all time, and I don’t think Stipe is trying to get out.”
“Stipe’s been fighting his whole life, who’s he trying to hide from? You know what I mean? It doesn’t even make sense. Plus, this will be if not the biggest, one of the biggest fights of his life.”
Conor McGregor's situation with USADA
Irish mixed martial artist Conor McGregor attends the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) 285 mixed martial arts event at T-Mobile Arena, in Las Vegas, Nevada, on March 4, 2023. (Photo by Patrick T. Fallon / AFP) (Photo by PATRICK T. FALLON/AFP via Getty Images)
“I have no idea. I don’t pay any attention to that sh*t. That’s not my job anymore, and I’m happy to be out of it. Talk to USADA, I have no idea. I want nothing to do with the whole drug testing side of this business. It’s a f*cking nightmare.”
What's next for Khamzat Chimaev?
“He’ll fight at middleweight, yeah. And yes, he’s in a position where he should be fighting top three guys in the world.”
