C. Covington provokes K. Usman on a radio show. Photo: Reproduction/Facebook @ColbyCovington
Ultimate's president, Dana White, clarified who the champion's next challenger would be, Kamaru Usman, for the welterweight title (up to 77kg.). The UFC board was in doubt about casting Jorge masvidal, who gained fame after his lightning knockout over Ben Askren, in UFC 239, or Colby covington, UFC Newark star in victory against Robbie Lawler, last weekend. The choice was made in favor of the former interim champion. The statement was made in a recent interview with reporters from the reality show 'Contender Series'.
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“That’s why I put (Colby) Covington on ESPN against a guy like (Robbie) Lawler. You can say whatever you want about Covington, you don't like him, you don't like this, you don't like that, or whatever. He was surgical against Lawler, who is a beast. Lawler was in all the big fights, a former world champion, he hits like a truck and Colby completely nullified him,” said the president.
During five rounds last weekend, Colby was able to completely block Lawler's strategy in the main fight of UFC Newark. Known for being better at grappling, Covington, in the first two rounds, tried to undermine the physical resistance of his 37-year-old opponent and look for takedowns, making the former champion tire. The plan worked and, from the third round onwards, Covington was able to land blows on his opponent without there being any danger of a fatal counterattack.
“His (Colby) physical conditioning was impressive and the way he beat Lawler was even more admirable”, praised Dana.
Last Saturday's fight (3), then, served as a key piece for the UFC board to decide that Covington should be the new challenger for the UFC title. Kamaru Usman. The company had doubts between Masvidal and his best friend, Colby. In the battle of loudmouths, Donald Trump's 'friend' came out on top.
Dana, however, stated that Jorge will be offered another fight. The American, after beating Askren, had asked for a title shot or a super fight against the Irishman Conor McGregor. However, White does not appear to have surrendered to Masvidal's whims.
“You can’t make ultimatums. Look, let's give him a fight. If he accepts, he accepts. If you don’t accept it, you haven’t accepted it”, said the boss.
The fight between Usman and Colby does not yet have a defined date and location. There is speculation that the duel will take place in UFC 244, in November, in New York.
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