“Don’t tell anybody,” Colby Covington reveals getting VACCINE exemption in New York to fight Kamaru Usman

Colby Covington got a vaccine exemption for UFC 268 in Madison Square Garden.

“Don’t tell anybody,” Colby Covington reveals getting VACCINE exemption in New York to fight Kamaru Usman

Colby Covington fought Kamaru Usman at UFC 268 and UFC 245 (Image via: IMAGO)

The two fights between Colby Covington and Kamaru Usman are in the annals of UFC history. Usman won both fights, but Covington showed his mettle, especially in the second fight. The second fight headlined UFC 268 in Madison Square Garden in New York, a state with stringent Covid-19 mandates.

Covington stated he had not taken the vaccine. However, it may or may not be true due to the American’s unreliable nature. Nonetheless, Covington revealed an interesting story concerning the exemption he got in New York on the Twins Pod podcast.

I fought during that time [COVID-19] in New York too. I headlined Madison Square Garden, and yeah, they were trying to get me to do a vaccine passport, and 'oh, you gotta get vaccinated if you want to compete here'...You know, this is the day they put out the ticket sales and they saw it sold out instantly with me and [Kamaru] Usman for the second fight. So they're like, alright, you're going to be the only person we give an exemption to on the card, Colby, but don't tell anybody else that we're giving you this exemption.
Colby Covington via Twins Pod
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Covington revealed that everyone in New York had to have vaccine passports, which he did not like. The welterweight was not the only one in the UFC against the Covid-19 mandates. UFC CEO Dana White and commentator Joe Rogan were also against it.

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Nonetheless, Covington lost the fight to Usman at UFC 268 via unanimous decision. Many thought Covington won, or it should’ve been at least a draw. However, it was a significant improvement from their first fight. In their first fight, at UFC 245, Usman won via fifth-round TKO.

Colby Covington claims prime is not over at 36

Before Leon Edwards dethroned Kamaru Usman at UFC 278, Usman and Covington were the two top dogs at welterweight. Dana White even said Covington would’ve been champion if Usman was not there. However, both fighters are now over 35 years of age, which many consider to be the start of the decline of fighters.

Colby Covington
Colby Covington (via X)

Usman had lost his previous three fights, and Covington was 2-3 in his past fights, with victories against Jorge Masvidal and Tyron Woodley. Masvidal and Woodley have not won an MMA fight since 2019 and 2018, respectively, and left the UFC on a four-fight losing streak. Nonetheless, Covington does not believe his prime years are over.

I mean, my friend Daniel Cormier, he fought till he was 42... So, you know, he was a world champion at 41. There's a lot of guys that if you take good care of your body and you eat healthy, you know, you can fight into your 40s.
Colby Covington via Twins Pod

Nonetheless, Covington stated he would not fight into his 50s like Mike Tyson. He alluded that Tyson’s reason for fighting Jake Paul in the upcoming exhibition boxing match is solely for money. Moreover, he expressed sadness for Tyson. Furthermore, he stated Paul vs. Tyson was not a fair fight.

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