Covington interested in fight with 'hungry' Della Maddalena

Colby Covington has a potentially surprising name in mind for his Octagon return.

The former UFC interim welterweight champion praised Jack Della Maddalena and said a matchup against the No. 4-ranked fighter piques his interest.

"We've been talking about this fight with Jack Della Maddalena," Covington told Submission Radio. "I think it makes a lot of sense. He got a big win in my hometown, in Miami, last time he was out there. He has a little bit of a name out here. And he's undefeated, he's hungry, he's fearless. He's an exciting fighter. So I think that's a fight that the fans would be intrigued with."

Covington hasn't stepped into the cage since coming up short in a 170-pound title bout against Leon Edwards last December.

Della Maddalena, on the other hand, has catapulted up the rankings in recent years, most recently knocking out Gilbert Burns in March to push his UFC record to 7-0.

Although Covington has earned just two wins dating back to 2020, he believes a fight with Della Maddalena could lead to a title shot.

"I think it's a high-level fight, it's a top contender fight that establishes who's the next contender for the belt," Covington said.

With Della Maddalena being a native of Australia and UFC 312 scheduled for Sydney in February, that event might seem like a potential landing spot for the matchup. But Covington said he wants to stay in the U.S., potentially on a future Miami card.

"I think America makes sense," Covington said. "I'm America's fighter."