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The UFC is close to announcing an interim welterweight title fight between Rafael dos Anjos and Colby Covington at UFC 224 on May 12 in Rio de Janeiro. Officials have not confirmed the 170-pound interim championship, but dos Anjos and Covington have publicly acknowledged the fight. BJPenn.com first reported the potential matchup. For Covington (13-1), it likely will be one of the most hostile environments in UFC title fight history. He incensed Brazilian fans in October, when he referred to them as "filthy animals" after a win against Demian Maia in Sao Paulo. "This fight is legendary status," Covington told ESPN. "This will imprint my name into history. "It was a little nerve-racking [agreeing to the fight]. I know people who want me dead there. I have received a lot of death threats. I've been told someone is offering a bounty on my head, to murder me before I make it to the Octagon." Undisputed welterweight champion Tyron Woodley (18-3-1) is recovering from shoulder surgery and has publicly expressed he could return this summer. Regardless of his return date, the UFC has opted to create an interim title in the meantime. A former collegiate wrestler, Covington is on a five-fight win streak. He is 8-1 overall in the UFC. Dos Anjos (28-9) is a former lightweight champion in the UFC. He is a perfect 3-0 since moving up to welterweight, with wins over Tarec Saffiedine, Neil Magny and Robbie Lawler. A female bantamweight title fight between defending champion Amanda Nunes and Raquel Pennington is scheduled to headline UFC 224 at Jeunesse Arena.
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