UFC 268: Can Colby Covington Solve Kamaru Usman This Time?

Colby Covington had a crack at Kamaru Usman once before.

This Saturday at UFC 268, he gets a second chance to becoming UFC champion.

Covington and Usman will headline the card this Saturday night live from Madison Square Garden in New York City. 

The 33-year-old Covington is a former interim UFC welterweight champion. He was denied, though, at UFC 245 in 2019 vs. Usman. 

On that night, Usman defended his title via fifth round TKO. He battered Covington and was able to retain. 

Prior to the setback, though, Covington showed why many believed he was the one to dethrone Usman. In wins over Robbie Lawler, Rafael dos Anjos and Demian Maia, “Chaos” showed plenty.

A well-rounded wrestler, Covington has continued to improve his skills over the years. Coming from Iowa Central and Oregon State, he joined American Top Team before branching off to MMA Masters. 

Covington has trained with the best of the best over the years. He also has excellent pre-fight skills thanks to his sociology degree earned. 

After the loss to Usman, Covington returned in 2020 and scored a finish vs. rival Tyron Woodley. In that bout, he showed improved striking to go along with his world-class wrestling.

Will it be enough to knock Usman off his perch? We shall find out.