This will have pleased a lot of people. Colby Covington has been one of the most annoying presences in MMA over the past year and a half. The Florida-based fighter is undeniably a brilliant talent and incredibly tough. But the UFC also suffered from his toxic aura.
Kamaru Usman had the opportunity to silence Covington – or at the very least dent his credibility. The welterweight champion has had a rough time with the fans himself. But most people at least like him a bit more than ‘Chaos.’ Joe Rogan keeps going on about it all being a character. But that doesn’t change the fact he’s been an idiot.
They fought in the main event of UFC 245 in Las Vegas. It was back-and-forth with both men landing kicks and punches in a clash of striking styles. Check out the highlights and the finish below.
Colby Covington suffered a broken jaw against Kamaru Usman… #UFC245 https://t.co/k8wjhITZFz
— SMH (@BigSE5) December 15, 2019
Grudge Match
This was a grudge match from beginning to end. These two men don’t like each other and that was clear from the start. Despite their wrestling backgrounds, not a single takedown was attempted. Covington tried to let loose with his insane volume. However, because he wasn’t able to use his grappling it was less effective overall than in previous fights.
Meanwhile, Usman had more clinical strikes than ‘Chaos,’ despite throwing less. But Covington was clearly pulling in front after the first two rounds. Usman began connecting with his body and it changed the scope of the fight. The challenger did not like that at all. Finally, Usman broke Covington’s jaw to really mess up his prospects.
Respect where it’s due to Covington for toughing it out. He continued battling away despite adversity. Usman adopted a measured pace, going to the body with front kicks. You could have argued that either man was ahead before ‘The Nigerian Nightmare took it out of the judges’ hands. Covington was dropped twice at the end of the fifth before he was finished by ground-and-pound.
USMAN FINISHES COVINGTON #UFC245pic.twitter.com/grWM4MUfM9
— BBQ Dom (@RealBBQDom) December 15, 2019
Defence
This was Usman’s first title defence after beating Tyron Woodley. It was also arguably his toughest challenge because of Covington’s wrestling game. He answered his critics in style showing that he too has a chin and can power through a challenge. Make no mistake, that finish was legitimate.
“I was catching him with left hooks,” Usman said in his post-fight interview. “I was kind of overreaching and made a lot of mistakes tonight. My coaches told me to settle down and work behind the jab. Sometimes I come in here and just dominate with my wrestling and don’t stay with my striking long enough. But I’m the best in the world and am going to keep improving.”
Jorge Masvidal will be up next.
KAMARU USMAN doing the Lord's work for people!😂
That's how you finish as a champion
That's how you silent the loud MAGA!
Break that Jaw!#UFC245 pic.twitter.com/IWO4zKJU9U— Anambra 1st son💭 (@UchePOkoye) December 15, 2019
Not Impressed
After the fight, Covington tweeted his displeasure. He wasn’t happy with Marc Goddard’s refereeing and believed that the stoppage was early. He tweeted:
‘Normally people do their f**king in the bedroom, not the octagon, Marc Goddard. I go in there to kill or be killed. You robbed me of that. You robbed the people of a fair fight. You should be ashamed of yourself. Fake nut shot. Fake eye poke. Fake stoppage. Fake ref.’
In all fairness, all of Goddard’s decisions were decent. The eye poke was definitely clear, even if the groin shot wasn’t. Meanwhile, the stoppage was definitely justified. Even though he had a hold of Usman’s leg, Covington wasn’t able to defend himself after two knockdowns. He was immensely tough to fight with a broken jaw but still, the referee can’t be blamed.
