Rafael dos Anjos: Colby Covington has 60 percent chance of winning vs. Leon Edwards

LAS VEGAS – Colby Covington is a favorite to beat Leon Edwards in Rafael dos Anjos’ eyes.

Dos Anjos, who’s fought both Covington and Edwards, believes Covington should be able to get the job done against Edwards, in what’s supposed to be an expected UFC welterweight title fight later this year.

There has yet to be an official announcement for the fight, but UFC president Dana White has insisted Edwards vs. Covington is next. If the fight does come to fruition, dos Anjos expects Covington to leave with the title.

“It’s a very tough matchup,” dos Anjos told reporters at Thursday’s UFC on ESPN 51 media day. “I would say 60-40. Sixty percent chance for Colby winning this fight. I give Colby a slight advantage.

“His wrestling skills, and he’s got a pretty good standup, too, but I think he’s going to mix it up more with the takedowns than Usman did, and he’s going to have a better chance than Leon Edwards.”

Dos Anjos (32-14 MMA, 21-12 UFC) returns to the cage this Saturday in the main event of UFC on ESPN 51. He takes on Vicente Luque (21-9-1 MMA, 14-5 UFC) in what’s supposed to be an almost permanent stay at 170 pounds.

At 38 years of age, Dos Anjos knows his chances of fighting for the belt are few, but he’s not ruling it out. A win over Luque would put him on a two-fight winning streak at 170 pounds – a good base for another title run.

“I reached the top of the division at lightweight and almost won the welterweight title,” Dos Anjos said. “I think that would be amazing if I every one day fight for the title and win. It would be amazing for me. I would love to have that opportunity. It’s hard, but it’s not impossible.”

For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC on ESPN 51.