Fans and fighters slam Colby Covington for ‘vile’ joke about Leon Edwards’ late dad at heated UFC 296 press conference

COLBY COVINGTON was slammed by MMA fans and fighters following his crass joke about Leon Edwards' late dad.

The controversial Covington referenced the welterweight champion's deceased father during the UFC 296 pre-fight press conference early this morning.

In a bid to get under the skin of the Brit, Covington said: "I'm bringing you to the seventh layer of hell.

"We'll say what's up to your dad there."

Edwards snapped at the mention of his dad, who was murdered when he was 13 years old.

The Brummie picked up a water bottle and launched it at Covington, who was dressed up in a George Washington-esque suit and a MAGA hat.

Edwards then jumped to his feet to try to get to his opponent but security quickly intervened.

MMA fans were left stunned by Covington's crass comment, with one writing on X: "Colby Covington took it too far at the press conference today."

Another said: "'It's just promotion bro.' No, the f**k it ain't."

And another said: "Colby Covington implying he'll see Leon Edwards' murdered father in Hell is genuinely one of the grossest things I've seen at a UFC presser.

FREE BETS - BEST BETTING OFFERS & NEW CUSTOMER BONUSES

"That's not even good fight promotion. It's just being a s***y human.

One remarked: "Colby Covington has never been good at trash talk but invoking Leon Edwards' late father, who was murdered when Leon was just 13 years old, is an abhorrent new low."

Another chimed in: "Seriously, f**k Colby."

One shocked press conference viewer said: "Not that I didn't feel this way before, but f**k Colby Covington man. Such a vile c**t."

Covington's fellow fighters were equally as disgusted by the jarring jibe.

Muhammad Mokaev said: "Colby is a POS for talking smack about Leon's father.

Lerone Murphy commented: "Scumbag Colby. Ppl need to be held accountable for their words.

"Hope he gets KOd."

Back-up fighter for the main event Belal Muhammad claimed Covington got what he deserved when the retired Jorge Masvidal assaulted him weeks after their UFC 272 showdown last March.

He wrote: "That’s why I been saying masvidal Was right in giving this bozo brain damage and a chipped tooth."

Edwards recomposed himself after being restrained by security and didn't mince his words when asked about the jibe.

He said: "The guy’s a piece of s**t.

"But just make sure you keep that same energy backstage.

"Keep that energy backstage.”