Dana White: Colby Covington Next Challenger for Kamaru Usman
Colby Covington could end up getting a rematch against UFC welterweight champion Kamaru Usman, according to Dana White.
In an interview with TSN, White stated that if Usman can beat Jorge Masvidal for a second time at UFC 261, Covington will get another shot at gold. The two fought one another at UFC 245 in 2019, with Usman winning a hard-hitting fight via TKO. Both fighters have been at war with one another for years, whether in the octagon or on the mic.
“(Usman’s) at a point in his career now where he’s looking at, ‘Who’s next again?’” Dana White said (h/t MMA News). “He’s coming back and gonna be facing guys that he’s already beat. So obviously, Masvidal took that fight on short notice, so let’s give him this fight, and we can do away with all the excuses. And then, Colby Covington’s next.”
Covington, a former interim UFC welterweight champion, hasn’t fought since September 2020. He recovered from the Usman lost, which ended a seven-fight win streak, by beating former champion Tyron Woodley via TKO. The wrestling star is ranked number one in the UFC’s welterweight rankings. He has been critical of Masvidal getting the rematch against Usman. With Leon Edwards and Stephen Thompson busy, Covington continues to be on the sidelines.
Since beating Covington, Usman has beaten Masvidal at UFC 251 and Gilbert Burns this past February. On a 17-fight win streak, Usman is ready to silence doubters. He now gets a fighter in Masvidal who will be getting a full training camp, unlike their battle at UFC 251.
UFC 261 takes place inside the VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena in Jacksonville, FL on April 24.
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