Report: Kamaru Usman vs. Colby Covington close to finalized for UFC 245

Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images

The UFC is reportedly close to finalizing the proposed welterweight title fight between Kamaru Usman and Colby Covington. First it was on, then it was off, and now it’s back on aga…

UFC 235: Woodley v Usman

Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images

The UFC is reportedly close to finalizing the proposed welterweight title fight between Kamaru Usman and Colby Covington.

First it was on, then it was off, and now it’s back on again.

After initial reports of failed negotiations with Colby Covington and the UFC, ESPN’s Ariel Helwani claims that Ultimate Fighting Championship is close to finalizing a welterweight title bout between ‘Chaos’ and official champ Kamaru Usman at UFC 245 on Dec. 14.

“Per @arielhelwani on The MMA Reporters podcast, the UFC are closing in on booking Kamaru Usman vs Colby Covington for UFC 245. It would be one of three title bouts on the card,” Aaron Bronsteter posted on Twitter.

It’s unclear whether Usman vs. Covington will headline UFC 245, as the card already features a featherweight championship bout between Max Holloway and Alexander Volkanovski and a women’s bantamweight championship tilt between Amanda Nunes and Germaine de Randamie, making it one of the most stacked pay-per-view events of the year.

Usman, 32, has yet to defend his title. The Hard Knocks 365 product beat long-reigning champ Tyron Woodley at UFC 235 to cement his position as one of the most dominant fighters in the welterweight division.

Covington, the former interim champion, is on an impressive seven-fight win streak and holds victories over the likes of Demian Maia, Rafael dos Anjos and Robbie Lawler.

UFC 245 will take place later this year, December 14 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.