UFC: Colby Covington defends Islam Makhachev's absence

Colby Covington has defended Islam Makhachev's absence from the UFC amid criticism, according to Bloody Elbow, which describes the stance as surprising.

Bloody Elbow reports that Covington has given his thoughts on the matter while the criticism aimed at Makhachev continues.

Makhachev's absence therefore remains a talking point around the UFC, now with a reaction few would have expected from Colby Covington.