WATCH: When Colby Covington ran out of the arena after losing to Kamaru Usman at UFC 245
Kamaru Usman (L) is victorious over Colby Covington (R) at UFC 245
Colby Covington is probably the most polarising fighter in the UFC right now. Preference aside, he also is a phenomenal wrestler.
Colby Covington has a stunning resume. Apart from losing to pound-for-pound #4 Kamaru Usman twice, and Warrley Alvaes back in 2015, he has beaten, or even outclassed everyone that he has faced.
One brief look at the talent he’s faced testifies to this claim. In the last 7 years, he has beaten Bryan Barberena, Dong Hyun Kim, Demian Maia, Rafael Dos Anjos, Robbie Lawler, Tyron Woodley, and most recently Jorge Masvidal.
The only blemishes are the competitive fights with ex-champion Usman. He lost the first time around at UFC 245, where he was floored by Kamaru Usman’s punching power, and lost via TKO. Although the fight ended in a finish, one judge had the bout closely matched at 38-38.
Now, a video has emerged of Covington rushing back to his dressing after the end of the bout. The reason for that is unclear, as fighters rest and make their way back to their dressing rooms in a less frantic manner. Maybe, Covington was in need of urgent medical attention – his jaw was broken by Usman in the fight.
Interestingly, he can be seen rushing at the exact moment Bruce Buffer was announcing Kamaru Usman as the winner, and thus, the “Undisputed Champion” of the welterweight division.
Colby Covington has been out of action since March
Colby Covington last fought in March this year, against Jorge Masvidal. In their fight at UFC 272, he looked utterly dominant. Despite being stung by Masvidal’s powerful jab once, Covington kept the pressure on his former friend-turned-foe, to win decisively (one judge scored it 50-44).
Since, however, Covington has not participated in any other bouts. While there may be a straightforward explanation for this, such a lengthy absence from the cage begs to ask a few questions.
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The primary reason for his absence is of a medical nature, as he was sucker punched by Jorge Masvidal outside a steakhouse in Miami, where he suffered brain trauma. Consequently, he has a court date with Masvidal, scheduled for December.
That being said, it must be remembered that Covington is championship material. He must keep fighting to keep his name floating among those who could eventually fight for the title. Additionally, there’s a new champion in town – Leon Edwards. If Edwards does beat Usman in their rematch next year, Colby Covington could be up to face him next.
However, there is also a hungry contender sitting just below him in the rankings. Khamzat Chimaev has enthralled audiences ever since he came to the UFC. Covington must fight and defeat Chimaev if he is secure the title shot next.
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Udayan Mukherjee
(382 Articles Published)