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Colby Covington, a skilled welterweight in MMA, has earned both admiration and disdain for his in-ring prowess and controversial behavior. Facing potential dismissal from the UFC for perceived lack of marketability, Covington strategically embraced a "villain" persona, securing his stay in the organization.
In a crucial 2017 match in Brazil, Covington's post-fight remarks, where he disparaged the local crowd and forbade translation, marked the inception of his divisive public image. Despite this, persistent rumors suggest a divergence between Covington's on-camera persona and his off-camera personality, a notion underscored by figures like Michael Bisping.
In an interview with the media, Bisping emphasized that Covington is a great person, who is beyond humble and polite. Bisping didn't expect that.
"Prime example, Colby Covington, and I didn't believe that this was an act. I didn't believe that he was putting on a WWE-esque character until I had some run-ins with him, when there was no cameras around, and I was blown away by how humble, how polite and what just generally a nice human being he was." - Bisping said.
Michael Bisping on Colby Covington
Covington is obviously aware that he has to make certain moves in order to draw attention to himself and become a star. Sometimes you have to pretend to be something you're not. "Now, you put a camera on him, he throws on the MAGA hat and he's a big Trump supporter, that's not an act, but he's coming at everyone, he's taking no prisoners, he's pulling no punches.
You know what I'm saying but, you bump into the guy walking down the street and he's so nice. 'Yes sir, no sir!', helping people out, holding doors, taking time with fans and all the rest of it but you put a camera on him and he's p a lot of people off." Source: mmanews.com