Colby Covington Says The UFC’s Interested in Kamaru Usman Rematch

There’s been plenty of signs lately that the UFC plans to have Jorge Masvidal fight Kamaru Usman next. But, in his quest to secure a rematch with the welterweight champ, Colby Covington’s claiming the UFC likes the “idea” of a second scrap.

Covington continues to push for rematch with Usman

Following Covington’s crushing loss to Usman at UFC 245 in December, the former interim champ was quick to blame referee Marc Goddard for the defeat. Covington laid low for a little while, but more recently he’s been doing a lot of media again, and he’s still blasting Goddard for what transpired.

In addition, Covington has been campaigning for a rematch with Usman, this summer. Case in point, while talking to MMA Junkie recently, the controversial fighter said this:

“There has been some talks with the UFC; they like the idea of a rematch,” Covington said. “They think it’s justified. I mean, look at the fight. I’m up three rounds to one going into the fifth round. I won the first, second and fourth, there’s no questions about that, and the UFC likes the idea. The fight delivered. It was a great fight, exciting fight, we put on a show for the people, but this has just started. This just started. That was Round 1; there’s Round 2 and 3 coming. There’s a sequel and trilogy coming to this fight, so I think they like the idea of it.”

“The people know who’s the real champion, and the people want Round 2. This is war, and we had one battle. But you know what, we’re just getting started. We’re just getting started. That was Round 1, there’s still Round 2 and 3 to go, and next time it’s going to be a fair playing field. He’s not going to be able to fake injuries to get a momentum shift when I’m about to stop him in a fight, so it’s going to be a completely different outcome next time.”

Now, is the UFC thinking about moving ahead with Usman vs. Covington 2 ahead of Usman vs. Jorge Masvidal? Probably not. After all, UFC President Dana White has said that the plan is to have Masvidal challenge Usman next. But, if for some reason that fight can’t get signed, you would think the UFC would be on board with having Colby fight for the belt.

Covington to wait for a title shot

And if the UFC does move forward with Usman vs. Masvidal? Covington also said this in the interview:

“…And if not, if they want to go another direction, and they want to have ‘Street Judas’ journeyman Jorge Masvidal fight ‘Marty Fakenewsman’ then that’s fine. I can wait for the winner.

“Time is on my side. I’m not going anywhere. We can fight by the end of this year.”

The question is, however, will the UFC let Colby sit out and wait for a title shot? And what about the upcoming, March 21st bout between Tyron Woodley and Leon Edwards? Could the UFC want Colby to face the winner?