Colby Covington taunts Kamaru Usman after defeat and calls for a trilogy: 'We have unfinished business'

Colby makes weight and confirms fight in the UFC. Photo: Reproduction/Facebook/colbycovmma

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Colby Covington once again targeted Kamaru Usman after the Nigerian suffered another defeat. The American took advantage of his victory over Arman Tsarukyan at RAF 11, held last Saturday (18), to provoke his old rival, who was defeated by Dricus Du Plessis at UFC Oklahoma , on the same day.

In an interview with Ariel Helwani's channel, Colby criticized Usman's attitude and stated that the former welterweight champion (up to 77,1 kg) continues to act the same way he did during their first encounters. The American also recalled the nickname he created for his rival during their intense rivalry in the UFC.

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“He’s a fake person and he got a beating. He was doing the same old things. Why do you think I nicknamed him ‘Fake News Marty’? All his little lies are fake news. We have unfinished business,” Covington declared.

Despite having lost his two previous encounters against the Nigerian in the UFC, Colby left open the possibility of a third fight. According to the American, a new duel between the rivals is still being discussed.

"That's under discussion," Covington stated when asked about a possible trilogy against Kamaru Usman.

Watch Arman Tsarukyan lose to Colby Covington at RAF 11

I admit it would be pretty funny if they announced Charles vs. Tsarukyan II right after the guy lost a wrestling match to Colby Covington . pic.twitter.com/lfvVOfRnWe

— Diego Lucio (@diego_lucio) July 19, 2026

Colby Covington 🇺🇸 s'impose face to Arman Tsarukyan 🇦🇲 5-3 pour remporter la ceinture au RAF pic.twitter.com/zO2EPXpWnr

— 5ᵉᵐᵉ Round (@Le5emeRound) July 19, 2026

What was the rivalry like between Kamaru Usman and Colby Covington?

Kamaru Usman promotes UFC event. Photo: Reproduction/Facebook/UFC

The rivalry between Usman and Covington was one of the greatest in the UFC welterweight division. The two faced each other twice for the title, with the Nigerian fighter coming out on top both times. In their first encounter, at UFC 245 in 2019, he won by technical knockout in the fifth round after a balanced and intense battle.

The rematch took place at UFC 268 in 2021, again for the title, and the 'Nigerian Nightmare' emerged victorious by unanimous decision. Beyond the fight inside the octagon, the confrontation was marked by the provocations between the athletes, especially Colby's criticism, who nicknamed his rival "Marty Fake News".

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