Colby Covington continues to go full heel in pursuit of UFC welterweight champion Tyron Woodley.

In an interview posted to Impact Wrestling’s YouTube page, Covington (13-1 MMA, 8-1 UFC) reiterated his belief that he’s the rightful No. 1 contender to challenge Woodley (18-3-1 MMA, 8-2-1 UFC) and urged the champion to accept.

“Man, the guy’s making all these excuses,” Covington said. “He doesn’t want to tell the world the real reason he doesn’t want to fight me. The real reason Tyron Woodley doesn’t want to fight me is because the last time we were in the gym together I broke him. And I’ll do the same thing in front of the world when we fight for that welterweight championship, Tyron Woodley.”

After an impressive comeback win over Demian Maia at UFC Fight Night 119 in Sao Paulo, Covington picked up his fifth straight win to become No. 3 in the official rankings. But it was his celebration speech that got fans buzzing when he called the Brazilian audience “filthy animals” and was pelted with debris as a result.

Since then, Covington not only has embraced being the bad guy, but he seems to relish the role, hoping it will help earn him a title shot with Woodley.

Covington is even willing to travel to Woodley’s hometown to make it happen. He implored the champ to fight him Jan. 14 at UFC Fight Night 124 in Woodley’s native St. Louis.

“Let’s see if he can defend the home turf,” Covington said. “I’m the money fight for you, Tyron Woodley. You already fought No. 1 and No. 2. I’m next in line. Stop making excuses.”

Woodley, for his part, already has expressed his disapproval of Covington getting a title shot. He cited what he deemed Covington’s lackluster performance in his decision win over Maia – who Woodley also defeated by decision – as well as not wanting to reward Covington for his antics.

That might not sit well with Covington. But it also doesn’t deter him.

“Everybody says I’m a racist, but I’m a realist. I’m saying the truth,” Covington said. “Everything I’m saying is truth, and what I’m saying is, Tyron Woodley, you’re next. I’m going to finish you, just like I did to Demian Maia. You couldn’t beat Demian Maia as bad as I beat Demian Maia. You are next, Tyron Woodley.”

For more on UFC Fight Night 124, check out the UFC Rumors section of the site.