After UFC 261, Dana White admits negotiating a rematch between Kamaru Usman and Colby Covington

D. White confirms C. Covington as the next challenger for the welterweight belt. Photo: Reproduction/YouTube

Despite having defeated Jorge masvidal in a rematch valid for UFC 261 this Saturday (24), Kamaru Usman must face another 'old acquaintance' in his next fight. According to the president of Ultimate, Dana White, there is a good chance that Ultimate will reissue the Nigerian's duel against Colby covington for the welterweight belt (up to 77kg.).

See too

VIDEO: Watch Kamaru Usman's brutal knockout of Jorge Masvidal at UFC 261

Kamaru Usman and Rose Namajunas receive R$270 bonuses for 'Performance of the Night' at UFC 261

UFC 261: Kamaru Usman x Jorge Masvidal – Results

“It’s the fight to be had. He (Kamaru Usman) is the number 1 guy in the world. Defeating the best fighters twice really goes a long way toward building a long legacy in the sport,” Dana said in a post-war press conference.UFC 261.

In the main fight of the night, Kamaru Usman was able to repeat the fight against Jorge masvidal, this time with a full training period. In the first duel, the North American took the lead after Gilbert Durinho test positive for COVID-19.

Now, Dana White has stated that Usman wants to prevent this from happening again and has refused for Covington to be available as a 'backup' for the fight. Still, the North American was present in the front row and saw the Nigerian's victory up close.

“Usman didn’t want Colby covington was as a 'reserve fighter', in case something happened to Jorge masvidal. He wants a longer training period to fully prepare for another rematch”, added the agent.

The first fight between Kamaru Usman e Colby covington took place in the main attraction of UFC 245, in December 2019. In one of the most anticipated presentations of the year, the athletes promised and fulfilled the script for a battle, which featured a knockout and a broken jaw for the North American.