Will there be a repeat performance from Kamaru Usman when he meets rival Colby Covington for a second time?
UFC welterweight champion Kamaru Usman dispatched of Jorge Masvidal in brutal fashion when they rematched earlier this year. According to UFC President Dana White, ‘The Nigerian Nightmare’ will soon get another opportunity to go 2-0 against one of his other rivals.
Kevin Iole reports that, during his Instagram live chat with White, the UFC’s head honcho confirmed that Colby Covington would be the next challenger for Usman’s belt.
On my @instagram chat today @danawhite said @ColbyCovMMA is next for @ufc welterweight title
— Kevin Iole (@KevinI) June 2, 2021
Covington lost by TKO to Usman at UFC 245 in December, 2019. In that loss Covington suffered a broken jaw. Covington’s last fight was a TKO (due to rib injury) over Tyron Woodley at UFC Vegas 11 last year.
Prior to losing to Usman, Covington was riding a seven fight winning streak which included decision victories over Demian Maia, Rafael dos Anjos and Robbie Lawler.
Usman has looked unstoppable for the majority of his career, drawing comparisons to Georges St-Pierre (widely regarded as the greatest welterweight of all time).
After a submission loss in his second ever pro fight in 2013, Usman has been perfect—racking up 18 wins in a row.
He came to the UFC in 2015 via The Ultimate Fighter: American Top Team vs. Blackzillians, a show he won with a submission over Hayder Hassan.
Usman won the 170 lb title with a convincing decision victory over Woodley at UFC 235 in 2019. He has defended that belt on four occasions, with two wins over Masvidal, the TKO over Covington and a TKO over Gilbert Burns.
Iole did not share any news regarding where or when Usman vs. Covington 2 would take place.