Michael Bisping explains how Colby Covington could earn a fourth title shot in short order: “If you want to become the man, you gotta beat the man”

Michael Bisping believes Colby Covington could be one win away from a fourth UFC title shot if he plays his cards right.

Covington (17-4 MMA) is of course coming off a lopsided unanimous decision loss to reigning welterweight kingpin Leon Edwards back at UFC 296. That setback marked the third time that ‘Chaos’ has come up short in his quest to become the promotion’s undisputed welterweight champion.

While it would appear that Colby Covington is a ways away from a fourth crack at undisputed UFC gold, former middleweight champion Michael Bisping believes the American can put himself right back in the title picture with a win over Shavkat Rakhmonov.

Rakhmonov (18-0 MMA) has gone a perfect 6-0 since joining the UFC ranks, scoring finishes in all of those wins, his latest being a submission of Stephen ‘Wonderboy’ Thompson.

It has been reported that Covington has been offered the Rakhmonov fight, and if he were to take it and win, Michael Bisping believes ‘Chaos’ could punch his ticket to another crack at the title.

“If they were to make this fight, there’s a big opportunity there. Now listen, Colby has had his title shots okay, and I don’t think he’s gonna get another one. But this will blow your mind, if he beats Shavkat Rakhmonov, I’m not saying he gets a title fight, but if he beats Shavkat Rakhmonov, there’s an argument there. I’m not saying I agree with it but it if he was to beat Shavkat Rakhmonov, guess what? All of a sudden, you’re back in the discussion, baby, right? He would be, if you want to become the man, you gotta beat the man.”

While Michael Bisping believes the Shavkat fight would be the quick route back to the title, he doubts Colby Covington would win (h/t MMANews):

“But would he beat Shavkat? I very much doubt it. Now here’s the real question for Colby Covington, if this fight takes place, does he still have it? Does the fire still burn?”

Do you agree with Michael Bisping that beating Shavkat Rakhmonov could earn Colby Covington a fourth shot at the undisputed welterweight title?