Colby Covington: I deserve Tyron Woodley title shot because Nate Diaz sucks

If you think it’s odd to have the No. 6 lightweight jump up a weight class and challenge for the welterweight title, well, you’re not alone, as the guy who’s sitting at No. 3 at 170 pounds, Colby Covington, can’t understand the justification.

Probably because “Chaos” has captured five straight and recently beat the former division No. 1 contender and part-time filthy animal in Demian Maia. In addition, the only two people ranked above him are Robbie Lawler and Stephen Thompson, who both came up short against “The Chosen One” in previous bouts.

An excerpt from Covington’s conversation with BJ Penn Radio:

“I respect Nate Diaz. He’s a great fighter. He’s had a great career in the UFC. He’s a gamer. He’s tough as nails. But, as far as in the Octagon, I don’t respect him. I mean, the guy sucks, man. He’s got a good gas tank. He’s beaten a lot of guys just off gas, you know, just off wearing guys out, you know? But, as far as a fighter, you know? He doesn’t really bring much to the table. He’s not a great striker. He’s not a powerful guy. He’s not … I mean, he’s a pretty good grappler, like, jiu jitsu-wise. But, wrestling nullifies that. But, you know, he’s just, he doesn’t belong at welterweight. You know, he’s a great lightweight. That’s what I’m trying to say. He’s not a good welterweight. I don’t know. It’s a joke if he gets the fight.”

Diaz was good enough to do this.

To Covington’s point, Diaz — who holds four knockout wins against 12 submission finishes — does not have the greatest record at 170 pounds, capped off by his lopsided loss to Rory MacDonald way back at UFC 129.

But there is more to title shots than just records and Diaz is one of the biggest names in the promotion. And Covington has his own issues to deal with outside of fighting, after blowing up Brazil and then charging Fabricio Werdum with assault.

As for Woodley? Pen already went to paper.