Kamaru Usman Names Darkhorse In Welterweight Title Race

Many expect Kamaru Usman’s first title defense to be against Colby Covington. That includes UFC president, Dana White who confirmed that after “Chaos” had beaten Robbie Lawler he would be next. Yet, there are still other contenders like Jorge Masvidal, Leon Edwards, and the rematch of Tyron Woodley. With no contracts signed, nothing is official […]

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Many expect Kamaru Usman’s first title defense to be against Colby Covington. That includes UFC president, Dana White who confirmed that after “Chaos” had beaten Robbie Lawler he would be next.

Yet, there are still other contenders like Jorge Masvidal, Leon Edwards, and the rematch of Tyron Woodley. With no contracts signed, nothing is official and Usman says the Englishman is a dark horse to get the next title shot.

“I would think so, but this is one thing that I’ve learned over the years, is that until it’s finally signed by both parties and hey, that’s gonna happen, nothing’s official yet,” Kamaru Usman said to Chael Sonnen on his podcast (as transcribed by BJPENN.com). “Because they’ve said time and time again, ‘Hey, this guy’s next and it didn’t happen. That guy’s next, and it didn’t happen. So, you know, I would like to think it’s between those three. But, I would say more a dark horse is Leon Edwards, who just kind of thrust himself into the mix. So, I would give it a four-man circus right now going on.”

Edwards is on an eight-fight winning streak with notable wins over the likes of Donald Cerrone, Gunnar Nelson, Vicente Luque, and Rafael dos Anjos. Yet, many think the Englishman should fight Jorge Masvidal while Covington fights Usman.

Regardless, Covington has said Usman has been ducking him for a long time, and after this interview, it will be interesting to see what he says now. But, White did promise “Chaos” a title shot, so all signs point to that being next.

Who do you think should be Kamaru Usman’s first title defense?

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Colby Covington Banned From Miesha Tate’s Radio Show After Heated On-Air Exchange

It’s safe to say Colby Covington and Miesha Tate won’t be sending each other any Christmas cards this year. Yesterday (Wed. August 7, 2019) Covington was a guest on Tate’s Sirius XM radio show, “MMA Tonight” to discuss his recent UFC Newark main event win over Robbie Lawler. Tate first asked Covington why he labeled […]

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It’s safe to say Colby Covington and Miesha Tate won’t be sending each other any Christmas cards this year.

Yesterday (Wed. August 7, 2019) Covington was a guest on Tate’s Sirius XM radio show, “MMA Tonight” to discuss his recent UFC Newark main event win over Robbie Lawler. Tate first asked Covington why he labeled Lawler a “legend” when he has verbally attacked all of his previous opponents. This led to Covington accusing Tate of talking bad about him behind his back, and “Chaos” claimed word has gotten back to him about it. (via MMA Junkie)

“It gets back to me,” Covington said. “All the people say how (you say) negative thoughts about me, and how I’m this and that. I just think it’s very hypocritical, because I don’t think you’re a perfect person. You might have some skeletons in your closet, as well.”

Tate, who serves as the vice president for ONE Championship in Singapore, responded by saying she wasn’t trying to personally attack Covington. However, Covington continued to go in on Tate, calling her a hypocrite who  “got famous off losing to my girl Ronda Rousey” and “putting pictures on the internet.”

Covington then accused Tate of calling his approach “disgusting” and unfit for the likes of ONE Championship. However, Tate pointed out those were actually the words of her boss, ONE CEO Chatri Sityodtong. The former UFC women’s bantamweight champ said she felt “disrespected” by Covington’s comments.

“I don’t even know what to say right now,” Tate said. “It’s kind of crazy that you would go on that level just because I have an opinion, that you as an American should have respect for the fact that at least I have the balls to say it to your face, and that’s my opinion, and I’m entitled to it. I did not put you down as a person. You put me down as a person.”

“Chaos” said he was defending himself against Tate’s criticisms, before Tate’s co-host, Ryan McKinnell, jumped in to confront the welterweight.

“You realize that that’s part of her job description right? She’s transitioned to being an analyst to give her thoughts on the sport,” McKinnell said. “You are a part of the sport. You make headlines for controversy, and you also made headlines for the exciting fights you put on like you did Saturday. It’s not a personal vendetta against Colby Covington.”

Covington continued to defend his comments, saying he was defending himself for being verbally attacked. He also noted the support he had received from United States President Donald Trump and his sons, Donald Jr. and Eric, who were cageside for his UFC Newark victory last week.

“I’m not going to sugarcoat things,” Covington said. “I’m telling you how it is because I’m a real person. I’m not going to act like I’m not going to talk about it, when hey, you guys want to talk about me, here I am to defend myself.”

Covington went as far as calling out Tate’s leaked nude photos, claiming they might have been leaked intentionally. McKinnell again exchanged with Covington after those comments.

“That’s a low blow,” McKinnell said. “That’s personal.”

“I came on the show to give you the best ratings you’re ever going to get,” Covington said.

“Like the best ratings that UFC on ESPN (5) got, which was the lowest-rated UFC on ESPN ever?” McKinnell responded.

Covington took a few more final shots at the radio hosts, calling them “jobbers,” before McKinnell said Covington would never be on the program again.

What do you think about Covington and Tate’s exchange on the show?

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Chael Sonnen Feels Matt Hughes May Have Known Of Colby Covington’s Dig Ahead Of Time

Chael Sonnen has a theory on Colby Covington’s nasty dig at Matt Hughes. Covington caused controversy at the conclusion of UFC Newark. “Chaos” turned in a stellar performance against Robbie Lawler, but it was perhaps overshadowed by h…

Chael Sonnen has a theory on Colby Covington’s nasty dig at Matt Hughes. Covington caused controversy at the conclusion of UFC Newark. “Chaos” turned in a stellar performance against Robbie Lawler, but it was perhaps overshadowed by his post-fight speech. After defeating Lawler via unanimous decision, Covington hurled a verbal jab at the expense of […]

The post Chael Sonnen Feels Matt Hughes May Have Known Of Colby Covington’s Dig Ahead Of Time appeared first on MMA News.

Kamaru Usman Claims Colby Covington Told Robbie Lawler ‘I Love You, Man,’ After Fight

Kamaru Usman can’t stop receiving messages from fans asking him to kill Colby Covington. ‘The Nigerian Nightmare’ is expected to battle the controversial ‘Chaos’ following Covington’s clean-sweep over Robbie Lawler a…

Kamaru Usman can’t stop receiving messages from fans asking him to kill Colby Covington. ‘The Nigerian Nightmare’ is expected to battle the controversial ‘Chaos’ following Covington’s clean-sweep over Robbie Lawler at last weekend’s UFC Newark. However, Usman recently told Chael Sonnen the fight is not official as of yet: “No, that is not official. Nothing’s […]

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Dana White Reacts To Colby Covington’s Matt Hughes Insult

UFC president Dana White didn’t seem surprised by Colby Covington’s UFC Newark post-fight insult directed at Matt Hughes. Covington infamously took a shot at the UFC Hall of Famer following his five-round decision win over Robbie Lawler this past weekend: “Let’s talk about the lesson we learned tonight,” Covington said. “It’s a strong lesson that […]

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UFC president Dana White didn’t seem surprised by Colby Covington’s UFC Newark post-fight insult directed at Matt Hughes.

Covington infamously took a shot at the UFC Hall of Famer following his five-round decision win over Robbie Lawler this past weekend:

“Let’s talk about the lesson we learned tonight,” Covington said. “It’s a strong lesson that Robbie should’ve learned from his good buddy Matt Hughes. You stay off the tracks when the train’s coming through, junior. Don’t matter if there’s a Trump train or the Colby train, get out the way!”

Many in the mixed martial arts world were shocked by the comments and found it distasteful, including Jorge Masvidal. However, White simply felt it was another typical Covington moment and didn’t pay heed to it much:

“I think it was very Colby, you know,” White responded. “He’s Dan Lambert’s guy and you know, Matt Hughes is best friends with Dan Lambert. They’re together all the time. So it was typical Colby Covington.”

What did you make of Covington’s dig at Hughes?

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Dana White Confirms Colby Covington Will Get Title Shot, Talks Jorge Masvidal’s Next Fight

Colby Covington will get the next crack at Kamaru Usman’s welterweight title according to UFC president Dana White. Covington comfortably outpointed Robbie Lawler at UFC Newark this past weekend and the wheels were in motion right away as he and Usman talked trash to each other during the post-fight show. Many previously believed there was […]

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Colby Covington will get the next crack at Kamaru Usman’s welterweight title according to UFC president Dana White.

Covington comfortably outpointed Robbie Lawler at UFC Newark this past weekend and the wheels were in motion right away as he and Usman talked trash to each other during the post-fight show.

Many previously believed there was a chance Jorge Masvidal would get the next title shot over Covington. However, that is no longer the case:

“Yeah, that’s why I put Covington on ESPN against a guy like Lawler,” White said when asked if Covington would receive the next title shot. “You can say whatever you want about Covington, you don’t like him, you don’t this, that, or whatever. He put on a clinic against Lawler, who is a beast.

Lawler’s been in all the big fights — former world champion, hits like a truck and Colby completely shut him down. His cardio was impressive and the way that he beat Lawler was even more impressive.”

So if that’s the case, where does that leave Masvidal?

Chael Sonnen believes it opens up the possibility of that Conor McGregor fight. And while “Gamebred” and his management have stated that they only want him to face the Irishman next or get a title shot, White has his own plans:

“You can’t make ultimatums,” White responded when asked about Masvidal. “We’re going to offer him a fight, and if he accepts the fight, he does and if he doesn’t, he doesn’t.”

Masvidal’s co-manager Abraham Kawa would respond soon after:

What do you think of White’s comments and his plans for the division?

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