UFC
Brett Okamoto, ESPN Staff Writer 4y

Colby Covington predicts rematch with Kamaru Usman on Fight Island

UFC, MMA

Colby Covington is still upset with the officiating of his UFC welterweight title fight against Kamaru Usman in December and predicted his next bout will be a rematch against Usman in July.

Covington (15-2) suffered a fifth-round TKO loss to Usman at UFC 245, in one of the most exciting fights of 2019. The 32-year-old said he has been in the gym regularly since the loss, and believes there are signs the UFC will ultimately book that rematch next.

"Colby Covington fights Marty 'Fake Newsman' on Dana White's Fight Island," Covington told ESPN on Tuesday. "In July, what would usually be International Fight Week [in Las Vegas], on Fight Island. Let's do it, baby. I'll throw his dead body to the sharks when I'm done with it."

Covington, who trains in Florida, has criticized veteran referee Marc Goddard for his officiating in that loss to Usman. His main points of contention include Goddard's decision to stop the action in the second round, when Covington landed a questionable foul to Usman's belt line, as well as Goddard stopping the fight in the fifth round, after Usman landed a few strikes to the back of the head during a chaotic finish.

Covington said Goddard's political views, plus the fact that he's Scottish (Covington has engaged in several rivalries with fighters from the United Kingdom), resulted in the official being biased against him. Goddard has since explained and stood by his officiating of that bout. Nevertheless, Covington has remained upset and continues to demand a rematch.

"I would say [Goddard's officiating cost me] between $10 million to $20 million, easy," said Covington, when asked about the impact on his career. "I want a fair shake at a world title fight. I didn't get a fair shake. I have such a bad taste in my mouth from that last fight. That's my entire dream since I was 5, I set out to be the best in the world. All I want is a fair shake, is that too much to ask? I have to be able to overcome corruption, overcome the bad calls, and that's what I'm doing every day. Working to ensure that."

Covington was also briefly linked to a possible fight against former champion Tyron Woodley, however it appears Woodley is moving on to a planned bout against Gilbert Burns sometime later this month. Covington accused Woodley of looking for an easier fight and claimed money and failed negotiations did not play a part in that matchup falling apart.

Earlier this year, it appeared the UFC was moving forward with a welterweight title fight between Usman and Jorge Masvidal, however UFC president Dana White recently told ESPN the company was looking at another option for Masvidal's next bout. Covington said he's eager to fight again, even under the circumstances of the coronavirus, but he is only willing to fight Usman, Masvidal or Woodley.

"I want my fight with Usman or 'Street Judas' Masvidal," Covington said. "There are no other fights to make. I'll just keep waiting, keep training. Every day that goes by, it's only getting worse for my competition, I promise you that."

^ Back to Top ^