The self-proclaimed “super villain” of UFC, Colby Covington, continues to show a soft side for women’s Strawweight champion Zhang Weili. Covington utilizes every opportunity to comment positive things on Weili’s Instagram posts. He has, occasionally, even complimented her looks. However, recently he has received the same energy back as a reply to his comment.
Weili posted about her successful title defense of the UFC Women’s Strawweight Championship at UFC 292 against Amanda Lemos on Instagram. Covington commented on the post, “So happy for you [heart and crown emoji].”
Colby and Zhang 🚨 pic.twitter.com/Y5xAkkKVGu
— Dovy🔌 (@DovySimuMMA) August 21, 2023
To this, Weili responded by commenting, “Thank you, handsome.”
Fans, who have been following this pattern for a while, took notice of their latest interaction. They have shown support for the flirtatious to-and-fro between the fighters.
The love story we never saw coming
— . (@blahhelloblah) August 21, 2023
Love this love this
— RELA 𝕏 (@itzzSKL) August 21, 2023
i mean, shoot yo shot while you can i suppose👀
— benjamino (@benjaminobro) August 21, 2023
Weili is known for being deadly in the ring but having a friendly nature out of it. Covington, on the other hand, is also deadly in the ring but is not too soft out of it. He is famous for brazen trash-talking towards his opponents. However, Weili has brought out his soft side multiple times.
Zhang Weili called Colby Covington “handsome” during UFC 268 press conference
At a UFC 268 press conference where Weili was seated between Covington and Michael Chandler, she was asked “Weili, what’s it like sitting next to Colby Covington right now?”
Before the question was translated for the Chinese fighter, Covington moved in to hug Weili in a warm moment. After understanding what she was asked, Weili replied in her native language and proclaimed, “Handsome!”
As revealed later, Weili said that she feels very safe and secure sitting next to Covington.
Both fighters faced similar fates at UFC 268. Weili lost her title bout via a split decision against Rose Namajunas. On the other hand, Covington lost his shot at the Welterweight title via a unanimous decision against Kumaru Usman.
Covington, who holds a record of 17-3 in MMA professionally, last fought against Jorge Masvidal in March 2022. He defeated Masvidal via a unanimous decision after five rounds.
On the other hand, Weili’s latest bout was against Lemos this past weekend. She defeated the Brazilian title challenger emphatically via a unanimous decision to extend her record to 24-3.