“Lotta respect for him” – Kamaru Usman with ‘Rocky/Apollo vibes’ wins over fans supporting nemesis Colby Covington’s chances against Leon Edwards

Leon Edwards and Colby Covington are to headline the UFC 296 main event. The all-out welterweight affair takes place on Dec. 16, in Las Vegas, Nevada. Consequently, there is no one better to weigh in on the matter than former pound-for-pound king Kamaru Usman, whose official ranking plummeted after his loss to Edwards.

Covington had correspondingly served as a backup for Edwards vs. Usman III, thus earning him a title shot at the welterweight champion. Now, Usman has talked to Daniel Cormier about it all. Usman, the 20-4 striker, last suffered a loss to Leon “The Rocky” Edwards at UFC 286.

Recently, appearing for ESPN MMA, Usman spoke to Cormier in the segment “DC & Friends”. He weighed in on Edwards and Covington, both of whom he had squared off with before. The fighter had the utmost respect for Covington which has garnered a lot of positive reactions. A prime reaction labeled it saying: “Usman is a real mf, most people wouldn’t even give him credit like Usman did. Shows his level of maturity, & you can tell he’s got a lot of respect for him. Love to see it.“

In the segment, Usman also partakes in a “Tap in or Tap out” commentary section. Preceding that, he has praised Covington earnestly. “The Chaos” faced Usman at UFC 245 and UFC 268, both amounting to subsequent skids. The fighter has however scuffled with Edwards, claiming to have loosened up Usman’s chin first.

Usman also affirmed wholeheartedly that Covington, though a former rival, is ‘undeniably’ a bigger star than Edwards. While it is natural for him to prefer his two-victory rival over his two-skid remembrance Edwards, his respect for Covington has earned much praise.

Fans react to Kamaru Usman’s mutual respect for rival Colby Covington

Former welterweight king Kamaru Usman’s two closest rivals are about to face off at UFC 296. Leon Edwards makes a title defense against Colby Covington. Edwards won against Usman at UFC 278 and UFC 286, thus bagging the welterweight gold. Now, Usman has weighed in on the matchup and concurrently on both the fighters as well.

Speaking to Daniel Cormier recently, Usman remarked that “The Chaos” is a better fighter among the two competing rivals. Check out how fans of the MMA community have reacted on the matter.

Some have hinted that this support is a subtle way back in for a title shot with Covington, who he has already defeated. Other fans, who prominently believe that the “era of Usman” is over, have commended the humble side of the fighter. Usman, “The Nigerian Nightmare” is otherwise known for his flashy style and sharp comebacks.

In case you missed it:

• Kamaru Usman reflects signing ‘mental agreement’ with Colby Covington to not wrestle each other in grudge match
• “My wet mop in my house has more charisma,” Colby Covington calls out ‘uncharismatic’ Kamaru Usman for wanting Khamzat Chimaev fight

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