Colby Covington

UFC: Will Colby Covington and Jorge Masvidal be the next coaches on TUF?

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UFC, Colby Covington

A couple of weeks ago, we learned that Jorge Masvidal (35-15) had pulled out of his UFC 269 matchup against Leon Edwards (19-3, 1 NC) with an injury. There were no details about what the injury was, we just knew that Masvidal was out and wouldn’t be able to compete until March or February.

This came on the heels of UFC 268 where Kamaru Usman (20-1) had defeated Colby Covington (16-3) by decision. Covington said in the post-fight press conference that Masvidal should pull out of the fight against Leon Edwards to fight him instead.

Of course, conspiracies were running wild after Masvidal pulled out of the fight just days later. Covington appeared on Submission Radio yesterday and talked about Masvidal pulling out and disclosed what he had heard about the injury.

According to Covington, Masvidal had to pull out of the UFC 269 matchup with fractured ribs. Covington would also go on to mock Masvidal for pulling out and called him the most fragile fighter on the roster.

UFC’s next Ultimate Fighter coaches?

Another thing that Covington has been pushing is for him and Masvidal to coach the UFC’s next season of The Ultimate Fighter. The show returned to ESPN+ this past year with Alexander Volkanovski and Brian Ortega as the coaches.

However, those two were not the originally planned coaches. By all indications, the UFC originally wanted Masvidal and Covington to coach the show against each other. However, they pulled the plug on that at the last minute.

A lot of that had to do with the fact that it took forever for a deal to get close and even when one did, the UFC was preparing to bring fans back for UFC 261 and slotted Masvidal in against Kamaru Usman. Now, Masvidal and Covington have both lost to Kamaru Usman for a second time.

They are in very similar spots in the division and the heat is real between the two. These two coaching the show would be big business for the UFC and it would setup a huge fight that could take place in Miami. At this time, there’s no word on if these two will coach, but they have to be looked at as the front runners.

Who’s next for Kamaru Usman after UFC 268?

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This past weekend at UFC 268, we saw a rematch for the welterweight title. In the main event, Kamaru Usman (20-1) defended his title against Colby Covington (16-3). It was the second time that these men met inside the octagon with the first coming back at UFC 245 in 2019.

In between the first and second fights, we saw dramatic improvement from Usman after he made the switch to Trevor Wittman’s camp. Usman’s striking got considerably better and his performances showed that. However, many still thought of Covington as his toughest opponent.

We saw both stories play out on Saturday at UFC 268. In the first two rounds, we did see that improvement from Usman. We saw him drop Covington twice in the second round and nearly finish him. That said, we also saw Covington prove how tough he was.

In the later rounds, I actually was favoring Covington with his pressure and he was landing. That said, Usman still got the nod and the right decision in my book was 48-47 Kamaru Usman. The UFC‘s welterweight champion proved that he’s still the best in the world.

Who is next after UFC 268?

Dana White was absolutely right when he said Colby Covington is clearly the second best welterweight in the world. White said that if Kamaru Usman didn’t exist, Colby Covington would be the UFC welterweight champion. Usman has now defeated him twice.

The champion is on his second round through a lot of the top tier opponents which is why White has already labeled him the welterweight GOAT. Now that Usman has defeated Covington for the second time, who is next in the welterweight division.

Well, there are a couple of options for the champion. Leon Edwards (19-3, 1 NC) is fighting Jorge Masvidal (35-15) next month at UFC 269. If Edwards wins that fight, there is no doubt in my mind that he’s next for Kamaru Usman. This fight would also be a rematch.

However, if Masvidal were to win, there’s a different contender who Usman hasn’t fought. That man is Vicente Luque (21-7-1). Luque was actually the backup this past weekend and he’s won four straight by stoppage. If Edwards falls next month, expect Luque to get the next shot.

Khamzat Chimaev (10-0) is a wild card name to watch. As of now, no way he’d get the next shot. However, there’s rumors that he might fight Gilbert Burns next. If he fights Burns and destroys the former title challenger, he could leap all the way to the front of the line.

What’s next for Colby Covington after UFC 268?

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UFC, Colby Covington

This past Saturday in the main event of UFC 268, we saw a rematch for the welterweight title. The champion Kamaru Usman (20-1) defended his title for the second time against Colby Covington (16-3). Their first fight came back at UFC 245 in December of 2019.

That fight nearly two years ago was as close as it could get. Through four rounds, the judges scored the fight 3-1 Usman, 2-2, and 3-1 Covington. It was all going to come down to the fifth round and Usman won it emphatically stopping Covington before the round was over.

Nearly two years later, the two met again at UFC 268. The thing everyone, including myself, had been noting leading up to the fight is the improvements we’ve seen from Kamaru Usman. He continues to get better and better while Covington’s inactivity left a lot of question marks about what to expect.

In the early parts of the fight, Usman was dominating while Covington was hesitant. In the second round, Usman nearly finished Covington again after dropping him twice. However, Covington turned the tide in the third round at UFC 268.

After he survived the second, Covington started getting more and more aggressive. With being aggressive, he was able to make the fight very close and even wobbled Usman on the feet. However, despite making the fight very close, he couldn’t do enough to get the decision at UFC 268.

What’s next after UFC 268?

Say what you want about Colby Covington, but he’s clearly the second best welterweight on the planet. Kamaru Usman has ran through all of his competition and Covington has fought him very close for nearly ten rounds. In the ten rounds they’ve fought, I give Usman six to Covington’s four.

That’s how close these two are. However, Usman is just a bit better and that is why he’s the UFC welterweight champion. With that, it’s time for Covington to reset and take on different challenges that can get him back to the top. He was asked about what’s next and there’s only one name on his mind.

At the UFC 268 post-fight press conference, Covington made it clear that he wants Jorge Masvidal (35-15) next. Masvidal is currently scheduled to face Leon Edwards at UFC 269 next month. Regardless of the result next month, I think the fight with Covington makes all the sense in the world.

Masvidal will not get a title shot if he beats Edwards next month. He’s lost twice to Usman including getting knocked out cold. if Masvidal loses to Edwards next month, he’s still got star power and that alone still makes the Covington fight interesting.

Win or lose, I think the UFC books Covington against Masvidal next. An under the radar pick could be former title challenger Gilbert Burns (20-4). However, there’s whispers that the UFC might have other plans for Durinho at the moment.

Kamaru Usman edges Colby Covington At UFC 268

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In the main event of UFC 268, we saw a rematch that was almost two years in the making. The welterweight champion Kamaru Usman (19-1) was defending his welterweight crown against the top contender in the world Colby Covington (16-2).

These two men first met back at UFC 245. That night, the two men couldn’t have been more even. The judges were completely divided after four rounds with one having them tied, one judge having Covington winning, and one judge scoring the fight for Usman.

Usman took the judges out of the equation by stopping Covington in the fifth to retain his UFC title. Now, nearly two years later, we will see them run it back. Since their last fight, Usman has fought three times. He defeated Jorge Masvidal twice and he stopped Gilbert Burns.

We’ve only seen Colby Covington fight once in the UFC since the first fight. Last August, he fought Tyron Woodley and got a fifth round TKO after Woodley suffered an injury. Granted, Covington completely dominated all aspects of that fight.

UFC 268 Recap

Round 1

The UFC 268 main event kicked off with immediate pressure from Covington. Covington holds the center and opens with a body kick. Usman lands a power jab to start his striking. Covington looks tentative and Usman lands another big jab.

Pressure her from Usman and Covington goes for a head kick. Wild miss from Covington and everything looks tight for Usman here in the opening frame. Covington shoots for a takedown and Usman rolls with it to get the top position.

Usman breaks and they’re back to striking. Lots of pressure here from Usman who looks incredibly confident here. Low kick from Covington. Big power shots from Usman but nothing lands clean. Lunging hooks miss the mark for Covington.

1-2 just misses for Usman and Covington lands a nice counter left. Covington blitzes and Usman catches him and takes him down. However, Covington bounces right back up and they’re striking. More pressure here from Usman.

Another blitz for Covington and nothing lands. Huge left hook lands for Usman. Another nice jab lands for the champion. Covington missing wildly here late in the first. Usman takes the first round here at UFC 268.

Round 2

Usman goes right back on the pressure to start the second round at UFC 268 and Covington is looking weary. Big hook lands for Usman. Nice body kick lands for Covington but nothing behind it.

Usman is teeing off on Covington every time they get close. Covington is looking incredibly tentative and not looking to engage much here in the second. Another wild miss from Covington but he uses it to get a clinch.

However, Usman just shakes him off. Another jab lands for Usman. Huge body shot lands for Usman. Covington is trying to land leg kicks but Usman is beating him on the counters. Usman lands a nice left hook off a Covington head kick attempt.

Covington gets deep on a takedown attempt and pushes Usman against the fence. Usman is landing some nice elbows and he’s keeping the fight standing. Usman breaks and they’re back to striking. Big body kick lands for Usman.

Usman turning up the pressure here. Big combination lands for Usman and Covington tries to answer back but nothing home. This fight is all Kamaru Usman thus far at UFC 268. Huge shots and Covington gets dropped. Usman nearly finishes the fight but Covington is saved by the bell.

Round 3

Entering the third at UFC 268 and it’s starting to look like Covington is going to need a miracle here. Usman right back on the pressure and Covington opens with a kick. Covington tries a blitz but doesn’t land. Usman is methodical here in the third round.

Body kick from Covington. Nice straight left hand from Covington gets Usman’s attention. Big jab from Usman lands as a counter. Another power jab from the champion. Both men trade jabs and Usman blasts power behind it. However, Covington is defending well.

Body kick from Covington is blocked and Usman lands a really nice counter. Takedown attempt from Covington and Usman defends perfectly. Shots from the sprawl land for Usman. Usman lets Covington up and they’re back to striking.

Big 1-2 lands for Usman. Body kick lands for Usman. Covington bites down on the mouthpiece and throws a big combination. He does land a couple of good shots, but Usman lands a nice left hand. Covington then gets deep on a takedown attempt and briefly gets Usman down. Much better round for Covington but I’m not sure he did enough to take the round.

Round 4

Entering the fourth at UFC 268 and finally Covington was able to build a little momentum in the third but he will need to keep it up. Covington opens with a combination that misses badly. Usman opens his striking with a nice combination.

Covington lands a couple of really nice shots and now he’s starting to pick up a little momentum. Usman holds the center but eats a left straight from Covington. Usman lands a power jab. Big combination lands for Covington.

Usman counters but Covington is doing much better here. Big hooks to the body lands for Usman and Covington lands a nice counter left. Usman now lands his own big combination and these two are getting after it in the fourth.

Nice left hand lands for Covington. Lead left hook lands for the champion but now it’s Covington pushing forward. Big body kick from Covington and Usman might be hurt. Covington pushing forward and landing big shots.

Usman counters but Covington is stinging Usman with these shots. Now it’s Covington pushing forward. Big takedown attempt from Covington but Usman defends well. The round comes to a close and this round definitely goes to Covington. I have it 3-1 Usman at UFC 268.

Round 5

Entering the final round at UFC 268 and it’s either 3-1 Usman or this fight is all tied up but the momentum is with Covington. Both men are very calculated to start the final frame. Nice left hand lands for the challenger.

Big body shot lands for Usman. Huge left straight for Covington and he follows it with a big uppercut. However, Usman backs him up with a big shot. Then Covington rocks Usman again with a big shot. Takedown attempt from Covington but Usman sprawls.

Usman lands a nice jab. Another good jab from Usman lands. Big straight left for Colby Covington lands and these two are getting after it in the final frame. Lead right lands for Covington. Usman pushes forward with a combination.

Body kick from Covington. Two minutes to go here at UFC 268. Usman slips and Covington tries to take advantage. Covington pushes Usman up against the cage and he’s landing some shots. Nice shots in the clinch from Covington.

They break and Covington lands a nice elbow. Another good left from Covington lands and Usman jabs. Head kick from Covington. Big right straight from Usman and the action gets stopped for a second after Covington gets poked in the eye.

40 seconds left and were back at it. Body kick from Covington lands and another one. Power head kick from Usman and Covington lands a big shot just at the end of the fight. Covington might’ve won that final round, but this fight goes to Kamaru Usman at UFC 268.

Kamaru Usman def. Colby Covington by Decision (48-47, 48-47, 49-46)

UFC 268 Preview: Kamaru Usman – Colby Covington 2

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Tomorrow night in the main event of UFC 268, we will see a rematch that is almost two years in the making. The welterweight champion Kamaru Usman (19-1) will be defending his welterweight crown against the top contender in the world Colby Covington (16-2).

These two men first met back at UFC 245. That night, the two men couldn’t have been more even. The judges were completely divided after four rounds with one having them tied, one judge having Covington winning, and one judge scoring the fight for Usman.

Usman took the judges out of the equation by stopping Covington in the fifth to retain his UFC title. Now, nearly two years later, we will see them run it back. Since their last fight, Usman has fought three times. He defeated Jorge Masvidal twice and he stopped Gilbert Burns.

We’ve only seen Colby Covington fight once in the UFC since the first fight. Last August, he fought Tyron Woodley and got a fifth round TKO after Woodley suffered an injury. Granted, Covington completely dominated all aspects of that fight.

UFC 268 Prediction

When these two first fought, I thought they were insanely close in terms of their skills. The only real advantage I gave the UFC welterweight champion was his power. Turns out, that power was the deciding factor in their first fight.

We’ve seen Kamaru Usman continue to get better and better over the last couple of years. While Covington might’ve improved as well, we haven’t seen much of him. Usman is the massive betting favorite heading into UFC 268 and there’s a good reason for it.

One thing to watch out for at UFC 268 is the wrestling of Colby Covington. If there’s going to be any change from the first fight, I’m expecting Covington to try and mix things up more. If he just tries to stand and trade with Usman, he’s likely going to get finished again.

Will he be able to take Usman down is going to be the big question. Ultimately, I think were in for another good fight where we see these guys stand the majority of the time. With me thinking that, I think the result is going to be the same in the end with Usman’s hand raised.

Prediction: Kamaru Usman by TKO – Round 3

Vaccine mandates in NYC could alter the plans for UFC 268

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UFC, Dana White

UFC 268 is supposed to be a massive event for the promotion. The promotion is targeting a return to Madison Square Garden for the event and they are bringing incredible fights to New York for that event.

Headlining UFC 268 is the rematch between Kamaru Usman (19-1) and Colby Covington (16-2). In addition, UFC 268 will play host to the return of Luke Rockhold as he takes on Sean Strickland. 

However, arguably the most anticipated matchup that’s been announced is the co-main event. The UFC has booked Michael Chandler (22-6) against Justin Gaethje (22-3). This is a dream fight for most fans and were supposed to see it in November.

However, a new mandate in New York City might jeopardize that fight. Michael Chandler had an Instagram Live session yesterday (from MMA Junkie) where he was very open and honest about the fact that he will not be vaccinated come the November.

Chandler said that he was not anti-vax and that he would consider taking the vaccine once it’s FDA approved. I can assure you that Chandler is not the only fighter in the UFC who is not vaccinated and I guarantee he’s not the only one on the card that won’t be.

New York City announced new mandates that requires vaccination proof to do just about anything indoors. With this new mandate coming down, the UFC 268 location might be in jeopardy.

UFC 268 Backup Plans

Dana White has always said that the UFC will never force their athletes to do anything. In regards to forcing vaccinations, White said to TSN, “I would never tell another human being what to do with their body. If you want to get vaccinated, that’s up to you. That’s your choice. You’re never going to hear me say I’m going to force people to get vaccinated. Never gonna happen.”

I can guarantee White isn’t going to change his position and I guarantee the UFC fighters who don’t want the vaccine will not get it. That said, this card is in a lot of trouble in terms of the location.

It’s worth noting that the location has not been announced for UFC 268. While it’s widely known that it’s supposed to take place at MSG, the promotion hasn’t officially announced anything yet.

Dana White has been operating through the fluid waters of this pandemic for well over a year. The UFC knows how to deal with situations like this and I can assure you that they’re already working on a new location. This will definitely be something to watch over the coming weeks.

UFC finalizes rematch between Kamaru Usman and Colby Covington

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The UFC has finalized arguably the biggest rematch they can make right now. ESPN was the first to report today that the promotion had finalized the welterweight title rematch between Kamaru Usman (19-1) and Colby Covington (16-2).

The matchup is scheduled to headline UFC 268 which will take place on November 6th. The current plan is for UFC 268 to take place at Madison Square Garden, however, that is not finalized yet and with an ongoing pandemic, things can always change.

However, that is the plan as of now. The fight will be the second installment of this tremendous rivalry between the two best welterweights on the planet. Their first fight took place at UFC 245.

That night, we saw an absolute war between the two men. The fight was fought at a crazy pace and both men had a tremendous amount of success. Heading into the final round the scores were: 3-1 Covington, 2-2, 3-1 Usman.

The fight came down to the final round. In that final round, Kamaru Usman was able to get the stoppage win and retain his UFC welterweight title. The stoppage is something that Covington protests to this day.

UFC 268 at MSG

Now, nearly two years after their first fight, these two will run it back at MSG at UFC 268. Since the first fight, Covington has fought only once and that was last August against former champion Tyron Woodley.

Covington put a beating on Woodley and stopped him in the final frame. Kamaru Usman has successfully defended his title three times since their first fight including twice already in 2021.

It seems that Usman is getting better and better which each fight. His two title defenses this year really showed just how special Usman is. He stopped Gilbert Burns at UFC 258 then knocked out Jorge Masvidal at UFC 261.

Now, the world will get the rematch we’ve waited on. Colby Covington is always going to be the toughest fight for Kamaru Usman given his style. On the flip side, Kamaru Usman is always going to be an incredibly difficult fight for Colby Covington.

Make no mistake about it, these are the two best welterweights in the UFC. I’m very much looking forward to the rematch that we’ve been waiting for, for almost two years.

UFC: Colby Covington would welcome a fight with Dustin Poirier

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UFC, Colby Covington

This past Saturday at UFC 264, Dustin Poirier (28-6, 1 NC) picked up his second win over Conor McGregor (22-6). The fight ended after McGregor snapped his lower tibia at the end of the first round and couldn’t continue.

Regardless of what happened, it still goes in the book as a win for Poirier. Poirier’s former training partner and top welterweight contender Colby Covington (16-2) had some things to say about the fight and The Diamond as well.

Covington is currently waiting for the date for his rematch with Kamaru Usman (18-1) for the UFC welterweight title. That said, he already has his eyes on his personal rivalry with Poirier and he had some things to say.

In speaking with James Lynch, Covington called Poirier’s win at UFC 264 a fluke. In addition to that, Covington made it clear that he would love Poirier to come up to 170 pounds to fight him. He also made it clear that he doesn’t believe the fight would be competitive.

Would the UFC book this fight?

Covington told Lynch, “His (Poirier) best money opportunity if he wants to do good business is to come up to 170 and see daddy. This is a personal rivalry James… There is deep deep personal issues with this drama and I hope they get settled in the octagon some day. If they don’t then fans know who daddy is. They’ll know I’m really Parker’s daddy and I’m Jolie’s husband.”

When asked how the potential UFC matchup would go, Covington said, “I just see myself giving him a wedgie in the middle of the octagon and just slapping him all around the octagon. Throwing him from one side of the cage to the other until he quits.”

In reality, this is a matchup that could easily happen. Poirier has long talked about being interested in fighting at welterweight. Of course, Poirier is fighting for the UFC lightweight title next and Covington is fighting for the welterweight title next.

Perhaps if all works out, there could be a champion vs champion fight that could materialize between the two men. I wouldn’t be shocked at all to see Colby Covington fight Dustin Poirier eventually.

Could Nate Diaz be next for UFC champion Kamaru Usman?

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I know that many eyebrows went up reading that title. Could the UFC actually give Nate Diaz (20-13) the next shot at the welterweight title. I can already imagine the confusion and the questions from UFC fans.

How in the world does Nate Diaz deserve a shot at Kamaru Usman (19-1)? Would the promotion actually give Diaz a shot over Colby Covington (16-2) and Leon Edwards (19-3, 1 NC)? Keep in mind, Edwards just dominated Diaz back at UFC 263 despite a last minute rally by Diaz.

Where is the speculation coming from? Well it all starts with the UFC welterweight champion’s manager Ali Abdelaziz. Abdelaziz has been vocal that he doesn’t want to see his client face top contender Colby Covington next.

The word from the Usman camp is that Covington hasn’t done enough to earn a title shot next. UFC president Dana White has been vocal that Colby Covington and nobody else is next for the welterweight champion.

So, where does Nate Diaz fit into all of this? Well, Diaz and Usman have had some back-and-forth on social media and the speculation of a future UFC title match between the two was fueled by Abdelaziz. Usman’s manager tweeted out that Diaz should be next over Colby Covington. 

Would the UFC give the shot to Diaz over Covington/Edwards?

If Nate Diaz would’ve defeated Leon Edwards at UFC 263, there’s a very high chance he would’ve jumped Colby Covington. Diaz is by far one of the biggest stars in the entire sport. When he fights, people watch and millions would want to see him fight for the title.

However, outside of general fan interest, there is no argument for Diaz deserving a UFC title shot. Regardless of what the Usman camp says, Colby Covington is the toughest fight for him at 170 pounds.

Heading into their fifth round at UFC 245, the fight couldn’t have been closer. One judge had Covington up three rounds to one so if they would’ve made it to the final bell, Usman would’ve only won a split decision.

Usman would definitely be the favorite, but Covington is a very tough fight for him. I’m a massive Nate Diaz fan, but if he gets the next title shot after back-to-back losses at welterweight to Jorge Masvidal and Leon Edwards, I would be at a loss for words.

The UFC should book Diaz in a rematch with Masvidal if they want a big fight. Covington – Usman is the fight to make and I really don’t think Dana White is going to entertain anything else at the moment.

After UFC 263, should Leon Edwards take another fight or wait for his title shot?

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Leon Edwards

On the main card of UFC 263, we saw a welterweight showdown between Leon Edwards (19-3, 1 NC) and Nate Diaz (20-13). The fight between these two was the first five-round non-title fight that wasn’t a main event.

For the first 24 minutes of the fight at UFC 263, Leon Edwards showed why he’s so special. Edwards was able to use his leg kicks, elbows, and sweeps to completely dominate Nate Diaz. Diaz landed shots here and there, but it was all Leon Edwards.

However, with one minute left, the fight completely changed. Diaz fired a perfect 1-2 down the middle that completely rocked Leon Edwards. Edwards was on wobbly legs and needed the fence to stay up. Diaz tried to finish the fight and Edwards barely survived.

Edwards still looked a little dazed after the final bell at UFC 263. However, all of the work he had done over the first 24 minutes paid off. Leon Edwards won 49-46 on all three scorecards to pick up the biggest win of his career.

What does Leon Edwards do after UFC 263?

With this victory, Leon Edwards is now 9-0, 1 NC in his last ten fights. The last man to defeat him inside the octagon is the current UFC welterweight champion, Kamaru Usman (19-1). Leon Edwards has done enough to earn himself a title shot against Usman.

However, he’s not going to be next for the champion. Dana White has made it very clear that Colby Covington (16-2) is getting the next shot at Kamaru Usman. At the moment, the promotion is targeting late summer/early fall for that rematch.

With that, it’s very likely that Leon Edwards wouldn’t get his UFC title shot until the beginning of 2022. So, should Edwards wait or should he take another fight? I personally lean towards him taking another fight and there’s one fight that he should take.

I think the promotion should book him against Jorge Masvidal (35-15). There’s heat between the two men after their backstage incident in 2019 and Masvidal just fought for the title. Leon Edwards didn’t really get over in his win at UFC 263. He could use a highlight reel performance against another star to help build up his stock before a title shot.

That said, Edwards has been very vocal about wanting the title shot next. He might need some convincing to take a fight with Masvidal, but ultimately, I think it would be the best thing for him.