UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev has accepted a challenge from welterweight contender Colby Covington for a charity exhibition match worth $200,000. The proposed contest would take place either on the padel court or in a wrestling match, with proceeds going to charitable causes.
Covington issued the public challenge to Makhachev, who responded positively to the proposition. The cross-discipline nature of the challenge — offering a choice between padel, a racket sport growing in popularity among combat athletes, and wrestling, both fighters' foundational discipline — adds an unusual twist to the typical callouts seen in mixed martial arts.
Neither fighter has announced a date, venue, or specific charity beneficiaries for the event. Both athletes are currently active in the UFC, with Makhachev holding the 155-pound title and Covington remaining a top contender at 170 pounds.
