American fighter Colby Covington trolled Russian rival Khamzat Chimaev for suffering from COVID

• Khamzat Chimaev has taken the MMA world by storm but Colby Covington remains unimpressed.
• Ahead of his UFC welterweight title fight Saturday, Covington ridiculed Chimaev for getting COVID.

Khamzat Chimaev may be an MMA prospect taking the combat sports world by storm but UFC welterweight contender Colby Covington told reporters at a media event Wednesday that he still has "a lot more work" to do.

Chimaev is unbeaten in 10 pro fights and has four finishes in four wins while competing in the UFC.

Since arriving in the market-leading MMA firm, Chimaev has distributed an extraordinary amount of punishment while barely getting hit in return.

Insider recently likened his abilities, style, and box office appeal in MMA to the former five-weight world boxing champion Floyd Mayweather.

"You guys hype these guys up real quick but let's not forget he was put down by the common cold," the American fighter said, in an attempt to ridicule his Russian rival. Chimaev contracted COVID-19 earlier this year that was so severe he coughed up blood, thought he might die, and openly contemplated retirement.

"He was ready to retire off the common cold," Covington said.

COVID-19 is significantly different to the common cold and can cause much more severe illness. Around five million people worldwide have died after contracting the disease.

Chimaev recently dominated his toughest opponent to date, the No.11-ranked 170-pounder Li Jingliang, in a first-round submission win that left the Chinese fighter choked unconscious.

Before, during, and after the bout, Chimaev could be heard challenging the UFC's entire roster. Prior to beating Jingliang, he said Covington was a "stupid American bullshit boy."

In the fight itself, the fighter apparently yelled "crazy shit" to the UFC boss Dana White - this included saying he wanted to kill White's entire roster, and would be willing to scrap with the former UFC heavyweight king Brock Lesnar.

Following the win, Chimaev has been linked with big-name opponents like Jorge Masvidal and Nate Diaz.

Covington, meanwhile, has a big fight lined up for himself as he challenges Kamaru Usman for the Nigerian wrestler's UFC welterweight championship Sunday in the main event of UFC 268, which takes place in New York City.

Regardless of result this weekend, Covington doubts Chimaev would ever fight him.

"He doesn't want to fight me," he said.