A previously reported interim welterweight championship clash between Rafael dos Anjos and Colby Covington is finally official — just not at the venue that was originally anticipated.
Dos Anjos and Covington will square off for interim 170-pound gold in the co-main event at UFC 225 in Chicago on June 9, the promotion announced during the UFC’s 25th anniversary press conference. The welterweights were initially expected to square off at UFC 224 in Rio de Janeiro on May 12, according to multiple reports. UFC 225 takes place at the United Center and is headlined by a middleweight championship clash between Robert Whittaker and Yoel Romero.
A former lightweight champion, Dos Anjos has scored three impressive victories since moving up to 170 pounds. Most recently, he outpointed ex-titlist Robbie Lawler in the UFC on Fox 26 headliner on Dec. 16.
Covington has made several inflammatory remarks about Brazil and last year was involved in an ugly altercation with Fabricio Werdum in Australia, all of which could have resulted in the change in location for his fight against dos Anjos. Covington has won five straight fights, including a three-round verdict over title challenger Demian Maia in his most recent outing at UFC Fight Night 119.
“I’m the King of Brazil,” Covington said on Friday. “I owe it to the fans of Brazil to go back there and put on a show for them. Brazil wasn’t ready for me, so Dana had to put it in the U.S.
The dos Anjos-Covington winner will receive an eventual shot at reigning welterweight champion Tyron Woodley, who is recovering from shoulder surgery and isn’t expected to be able to return until August.