UFC 245: Expecting Kamaru Usman vs. Colby Covington to go Five Rounds? Champ Thinks Otherwise

When you consider the abilities and records of both Kamaru Usman and Colby Covington, there’s a good reason to think that their upcoming, UFC 245 bout will be a five-round war. But, recently Usman opined the December 14th, grudge match could wrap up a lot quicker than many people predict.

Usman’s and Covington’s UFC runs

After some apparently tense and prolonged contractual negotiations, Covington and Usman were finally booked to fight at the December 14th, UFC 245 card in Las Vegas. Covington has been tapped for the title shot, after winning seven straight fights, and that run includes securing the interim welterweight title last summer, by defeating Rafael dos Anjos.

Usman, meanwhile, has done nothing but win in the Octagon, as the renowned fighter has gone 10-0 to date in the UFC. In March, Usman ended Tyron Woodley’s reign as welterweight champ, by working his way to a clear cut, decision win.

In terms of how both men have scored victories in the UFC, six of Covington’s wins have come via decision. Eight of Usman’s ten UFC wins have been via the judge’s scorecards.

Usman’s recent comments

Well, since neither Usman and Covington are known as cardio machines with well-rounded games, and not big-time finishers, most people are likely expecting a 25-minute bout at UFC 245. But, while discussing the upcoming fight recently, Usman said this (quote via MMA Junkie):

“If he’s tough enough, it might last 25 minutes like I did to the last guy,” Usman said. “If he’s tough enough. I just don’t think he’s that tough. I just think he plays off fatigue, making a coward of his opponents. How does that work on him? I think it’s going to be quite quick. I think the fight might, they’ll be relieved but at the same time they’re gonna be disappointed if they don’t get enough blood, so we’ll see.”

So, we’ll see what happens. If Usman can take out Covington it will certainly be a huge boost to his resume. Not only because of the run Covington is on, but because he’s one of the most polarizing fighters in the game. If you’ve followed Covington and his “Chaos” persona, you know he’s made plenty of controversial statements, including making inflammatory comments about fans in Brazil.

Thus, this is why Usman also had this to say:

“Let’s be honest, this thing is big,” Usman said. “It’s really, really big. Not just because it’s a fighter against another fighter, it’s what this whole fight represents. I’m an immigrant, and what this guy is putting on, the persona, what’s really behind it? You can’t just fake something if you don’t actually somewhat believe it, so this is much more than just a fight. It represents a lot of different elements, which is going to bring a lot of different people from all walks.”

UFC 245 will be hosted by the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, and will also feature featherweight champ Max Holloway taking on Alexander Volkanovski and Amanda Nunes defending the bantamweight title against Germaine de Randamie.