Darren Till would have been excused for pursuing a straightforward return to action but, apparently, he’s up for one of the toughest tests at welterweight
After coming unstuck in his first UFC title shot against 170lbs champion Tyron Woodley last September, Darren Till is in talks to meet former interim champ Colby Covington in the main event of UFC London in March, according to BJPenn.com.
Covington’s persona (he is a vocal supporter of Donald Trump) might divide opinion but there is no denying his ability in the Octagon. ‘Chaos’ holds wins over Rafael dos Anjos, Demian Maia and Dong Hyun Kim so he is a legitimate threat.
Covington was promised an immediate title shot against Woodley but the UFC apparently went in a different direction as they set ‘The Chosen One’ up with Kamaru Usman at UFC 235.
It's on! Tyron Woodley defends his welterweight belt against Kamaru Usman at #UFC235! pic.twitter.com/fjklE8RMc6
— UFC Europe (@UFCEurope) January 9, 2019
Should Till vs Covington come to fruition, it will understandably be promoted as the classic striker vs grappler match-up and would determine the undisputed number one contender at 170 lbs.
Till has previously hinted at a move up to middleweight after repeated struggles to make welterweight but may be tempted to settle the ongoing war of words with Covington at 170 lbs before jumping up to 185 lbs.
The pair have gone back and forth on social media on several occasions over the past year and would bring legitimate animosity to the Octagon if the bout is made official.