Photo by Josh Hedges/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images
Kamaru Usman (15-1) Vs. Colby Covington (15-1) is among the most unexpectedly high-profile fights available right now.
Both men are incredibly talented fighters with a wealth of wrestling knowledge, but rarely does that translate into a high number of viewers. However, Covington’s aggressive pursuit of hatred has ultimately generated a lot of buzz: “Chaos” is on friendly terms with the Trump family, receives massive boos when stepping into an arena, and even his best friend might want to fight him!
It seems all that heat has paid off. Per a report from Combate Globo, UFC is looking to book the pair for Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York on November 2 for UFC 244. The report does not confirm nor deny that it will be booked as the main event, but realistically, the odds are strong: the three champions heavier than Usman either fought recently or will defend in the coming weeks.
There’s so much to unpack with this match up. Aside from Covington’s annoying persona rallying together so much hate that Kamaru Usman now seems quite likable, the two are simply on a collision course. They have the same record, have defeated many of the same foes, and even both hold wins over the two individuals responsible for the other’s sole loss.
Stylistically, it’s unique as well. When discussing two extremely dominant wrestlers with great conditioning, what happens when one of them is taken down and controlled for the first time? Or perhaps the wrestling cancels out entirely, and this is a pure kickboxing battle. Can Usman defeat an opponent he cannot muscle around or Covington top a foe without his accustomed cardio advantage?
Both men have lifted belts over their head before — it’s a fight that just has to happen. Of course, if Usman does back out of this fight for whatever reason, Covington has set his sights on other targets as well.