UFC 235: Kamaru Usman Provides a “Ducked” Fight Tally, in Response to Colby Covington Crashing Open Workouts

Colby Covington caused quite the stir at Thursday’s open workouts for UFC 235, by showing up and yelling at Kamaru Usman with a megaphone. But, afterward, Usman repeated his claim “Chaos” has avoided fighting him, multiple times.

Usman will face the welterweight champ Tyron Woodley on Saturday night, and ever since the bout was announced, Covington has been irate. The reason being that he won the interim title last July, but has failed to secure a shot at the undisputed belt. The controversial fighter passed on facing Woodley last September, due to pending nasal surgery, and he also reportedly passed on fighting Usman this past January (when the UFC was looking to save UFC 233).

Well, Covington is in Las Vegas in advance of Saturday’s card, and as noted above, he showed up at Usman’s workout for fans. When asked to comment on what went down, Usman had this to say about his rival (quotes via MMA Junkie):

“You heard him,” Usman said. “He said, ‘Oh, Woodley’s going to beat you.’ That’s what he hopes is going to happen.

“The one thing he does not want to happen is for me to get that belt, because I’m the fight he’s ducked five times. Now, what happens when I get the belt, something he wants? He’s (expletive).”

“…After I’m done with Woodley, if he plays his cards right, he has to beg me now,” Usman said of Covington. “Because five times, I’ve been offered that fight. I’ve accepted all five, and he’s declined all five. He has to beg me.”

Usman also reportedly went on to say that he will, in fact, drive for a bout with Covington if he wins the title on Saturday night. So, you have to hand it to Covington, even if you have lengthy, cringing sessions anytime you watch his act, he’s doing his best to stay in the spotlight. Both Usman and Woodley have expressed their interest in fighting him, even though Dana White’s said Covington will need to score another win, before getting a title shot.

So, will the UFC actually pass over Covington again? Even if he’s able to generate more buzz this weekend for his title shot? You would think no right? Unless, of course, Woodley loses to Usman and Ben Askren beats Robbie Lawler. If that happens, it wouldn’t be surprising at all if Usman – Askren was next.

UFC 235 will be hosted by the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.