K. Usman has no plans to return to the Octagon. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram @usman84kg
Four days away from UFC Newark, where the welterweights (up to 77kg.) Colby covington e Robbie Lawler will face each other in the main fight, the champion Kamaru Usman he preferred to exempt himself and not give his opinion on the possible winner of the fight. In an interview with 'BT Sports', the Nigerian spoke about some of the athletes' qualities and took the opportunity to provoke the loudmouth, Covington.
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“Robbie (Lawler) has bricks in his hands. We saw what he did to (Ben) Askren. They (Lawler and Colby) used to train together. So, I don't know what happened in those training sessions. So it could have a psychological advantage either for Robbie or, on the other hand, for Colby. I have no idea who wins,” said the fighter.
The Nigerian, however, commented on his surprise that Covington accepted the duel against Lawler. Currently, Colby was the most likely athlete to be confirmed as a challenger for the category title. The athlete is in 2nd position, while Robbie, Saturday's opponent, is in 11th. For Usman, it makes no sense for the North American to face a challenge against an opponent who is not a real challenge, when it comes to positions in the division.
“I'm as lost as everyone else. I mean, I think it was one of those situations where you're not the champion. You can't sit back and dictate that 'I'm going to fight for the title. He's been away for over a year. And I am the champion,” said Kamaru. “He probably doesn’t manage his money well, I hear. You haven't fought in over a year. I'm sure those bank accounts are starting to get to you. Furthermore, you cannot dictate the rules. So, I think it was a confrontation they presented him with, and he had no options. He had to take over the fight”, concluded the champion.
The last time Covington stepped into the Octagon was his victory over Rafael dos Anjos, which took place in June last year. On that occasion, the North American recorded his sixth consecutive victory within the division.
His opponent, Robbie, former division champion, is going through an unstable moment in his career. Lawler spent 2018 without having an official fight. In his last five commitments, the 37-year-old athlete suffered three setbacks. The last one, in a controversial decision in the fight against Ben Askren, in March of this year.
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