USA Today via Reuters
Dec 14, 2019; Las Vegas, NV, USA; (Editor’s Note: Graphic Content) Kamaru Usman (red gloves) reacts as referee Marc Goddard stops his bout against Colby Covington (blue gloves) during UFC 245 at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports
USA Today via Reuters
Dec 14, 2019; Las Vegas, NV, USA; (Editor’s Note: Graphic Content) Kamaru Usman (red gloves) reacts as referee Marc Goddard stops his bout against Colby Covington (blue gloves) during UFC 245 at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports
USA Today via Reuters
Dec 14, 2019; Las Vegas, NV, USA; (Editor’s Note: Graphic Content) Kamaru Usman (red gloves) reacts as referee Marc Goddard stops his bout against Colby Covington (blue gloves) during UFC 245 at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports
USA Today via Reuters
Dec 14, 2019; Las Vegas, NV, USA; (Editor’s Note: Graphic Content) Kamaru Usman (red gloves) reacts as referee Marc Goddard stops his bout against Colby Covington (blue gloves) during UFC 245 at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports
Kamaru Usman is not happy with Colby Covington. Despite having beaten Colby already, Usman is aware that Covington is still one of the biggest threats to his title.
Watch What’s Trending Now!
However, Colby still needs another big win to justify a second-attempt at Usman’s belt. However, he let that opportunity pass by, not taking a fight with Leon Edwards according to Usman.
“For you to sit here and demand, ‘Oh, yeah, I’ve done enough. I demand a shot’. First of all, you weren’t (the UFC’s) favorite in the first place. You’re not. So you can’t sit here (and say that). It’s not that you’re selling mad pay-per-per views.
“You don’t really do that, as well. So for you to sit here and demand something like that, I think it’s ridiculous. I think the best way for you to solidify your title shot is to go out there and fight.”
Usman said about the Edwards situation, “And what better way than to knock off the No. 3 (ranked) guy? He’s on his way up.
“He’s making the claim to the throne that he deserves that shot. What better way than to knock him off? He failed to do that and I think he made a tremendous mistake.” (h/t: MMA Junkie)
Kamaru Usman: Justified in his criticism of Colby?
Kamaru Usman and Colby Covington have bad blood. That is no secret. However, was this champion addressing a challenger or rival addressing rival? Seems like it is a bit of both.
Imago
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – FEBRUARY 13: Kamaru Usman of Nigeria reacts after his victory over Gilbert Burns of Brazil in their UFC welterweight championship fight during the UFC 258 event at UFC APEX on February 13, 2021, in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC)
Covington has just had one fight since his loss to Usman, and it was a win over Tyron Woodley who was coming off two losses.
Considering how Leon Edwards is on an 8-fight winning-streak and even Jorge Masvidal seems like a more tangible option for Usman, Covington needs to make his case by taking on someone like Edwards.
However, the shots at Colby’s drawing power could be a little more personal. Even calling not taking a dangerous fight against Edwards on short-notice a ‘tremendous mistake’ maybe a little too harsh.
After the dust settles, Colby will still be just one win away from the title. Whether it is against Edwards after his fight against Belal Muhammad is something we will have to see.