Kamaru Usman Reminds Jorge Masvidal and Crowd Why He’s Not Mad at Colby Covington

Kamaru Usman explains why he holds no resentment toward Colby Covington as he and Jorge Masvidal revisit the rivalries with 'Chaos'.

Kamaru Usman Reminds Jorge Masvidal and Crowd Why He’s Not Mad at Colby Covington

Kamaru Usman and Jorge Masvidal talk about Colby Covington (via MMA Mania, Yahoo Sports)

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Colby Covington is widely regarded as one of the UFC’s most controversial figures. His outspoken approach has led to friction with numerous fighters across the roster. Among the most prominent names caught in long-running disputes with him are Kamaru Usman and Jorge Masvidal. Both of whom are connected to Covington through their competitive and personal histories.

Masvidal’s rivalry with Covington originated during their time as teammates at American Top Team, where personal disagreements escalated into a bitter feud. The tension led to their 2022 welterweight bout, which ‘Chaos’ won by unanimous decision. Instead of easing hostilities, the fight deepened the divide between the two and kept the rivalry active.

Their conflict grew more serious later in 2022 when ‘Gamebred’ was involved in a physical altercation with Covington in Miami, resulting in police involvement and legal action. The incident highlighted how far the feud had progressed beyond competition. This background frames recent moments in which both Masvidal and Usman were asked to comment on Covington at the UFC 322 Q&A.

If I saw Colby Covington right now, I’d catch a case… another one because he already tried to sue me for brain damage and I had to tell the judge that he was born ********.

Jorge Masvidal via UFC 322 media day

Usman also experienced an intense rivalry with Covington during his championship run. The two met twice in welterweight title fights, with Usman securing a late stoppage in their first bout and a unanimous decision in their second. Despite the heated buildup surrounding those matchups, Usman stated publicly that he holds no lasting grievances in retrospect and asked Masvidal not to stoop to Covington’s level.

Don’t incriminate yourself. I am good with him, I already broke his face. So I am good with him.

Kamaru Usman via via UFC 322 media day

Usman and Masvidal share their own competitive history, having fought twice during the ‘Nigerian Nightmare’s reign as champion. Usman first defeated Masvidal by decision at UFC 251 in 2020 before winning the rematch by knockout at UFC 261 in 2021. Their meetings played a significant role in shaping the welterweight division during one of its most active championship stretches.

Kamaru Usman remains positioned among the top welterweights and continues to compete at a high level. Meanwhile, Jorge Masvidal had briefly retired from MMA but had announced a potential comeback. Colby Covington has not returned since his doctor-stoppage loss to Joaquin Buckley in December 2024. Their intersecting histories still shape the broader narrative of the welterweight division.

Kamaru Usman talks about the stakes surrounding Leon Edwards’ career going into UFC 322

Kamaru Usman and Leon Edwards have met three times in the UFC. Their first fight, back in 2015, ended with Usman winning by unanimous decision early in both their careers. Their second encounter came at UFC 278, where Edwards landed a dramatic head-kick knockout in the final moments to take the welterweight title. The third bout took place at UFC 286, and Edwards retained via a majority decision.

Kamaru Usman talks about Leon Edwards
Kamaru Usman talks about Leon Edwards (via MMA Fighting)

Edwards has since entered a rough patch, suffering back-to-back losses to Belal Muhammad and then to Sean Brady. These outcomes have put pressure on him leading into UFC 322, where he faces Carlos Prates. Usman has weighed in on the situation, calling this a risky moment for Edwards and suggesting that a third straight loss would be severely damaging to his standing.

It’s definitely a big one because no one wants to drop three in a row. But I think there’s still questions that need to be answered. Can you deal with a grappler that’s going to go in and try to put you down? Unless we get the answers, it’s going to be tough to say how this one is or how this one isn’t because those questions aren’t answered yet.

Kamaru Usman via MMA Fighting

Looking forward, Edwards has spoken about wanting to regain the form that once delivered him a decisive head-kick finish over Kamaru Usman, viewing that level of performance as the standard he aims to reestablish. Leon Edwards is undoubtedly focused on getting back into the win column at UFC 322 as the first step toward rebuilding momentum.

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