Kamaru Usman TKOs Colby Covington To Retain UFC Welterweight Title At UFC 245

It’s not often UFC has two championship fights with unbeaten champions squaring off, but Saturday night’s UFC 245 did just that. Welterweight Champion Kamaru Usman took on former Interim Welterweight Champion Colby Covington, who never lost his title.

FURIOUS pace early in R1! —

Usman and Covington couldn’t wait to get their hands on each other! #UFC245 pic.twitter.com/6YyVKE0RIi

— UFC (@ufc) December 15, 2019

The bout has been preceded by over a year of trash talk. Covington, with the support of President Donald Trump, and Kamaru Usman with the support of virtually everyone else. Tempers were high leading into the fight, with the war of words culminating Saturday night. 

Ridiculous exchanges midway through R2! —

The bad blood is LEGIT. #UFC245 pic.twitter.com/1MFj1099FQ

— UFC (@ufc) December 15, 2019

The battle between two wrestlers started off as a striking battle in the first round. Covington cracked Usman, who responded with knees in the clinch. There were lots of slips, counters, combos, and good head movement. The stand-up war continued through round two, with both men finding homes for strikes, but Covington utilizing range a bit better. No takedowns were attempted through two rounds — a shocker. 

And STILL they swing back and forth!

Usman and Covington with an unbelievable championship pace! — #UFC245 pic.twitter.com/ucac2XUEP8

— UFC (@ufc) December 15, 2019

Covington said that he had his jaw broken in the third round, which featured eye pokes to Usman, comebacks from Covington, and a series of big punches from Usman. Covington fought valiantly, but was put away in the fifth round after being rocked by Usman. Kamaru Usman would retain his UFC Welterweight Championship in one of the best fights of the year. 

You can see Fightful’s full results of UFC 245 at this link, and make sure to check out our post-show podcast as well, at this link.