Usman is now opening with kicks, presumably because he doesn’t have to worry about the wrestling. Usman connects with a huge combo, forcing Covington to cover up. In there, Covington seemed jittery. He doesn’t look like he has in the past.

When Covington enters, Usman lands a left hook that knocks him out! Covington is seriously damaged, but he’s up and about, and he’s jawed once again! Usman goes for the kill, but Covington shoots and manages to keep a leg till the final horn!

MMA Fighting gives Usman a 10-8 victory in the first round, and a 20-17 victory overall.

Usman won their first fight with a fifth-round TKO.

Colby Covington, the No. 1 contender for the UFC welterweight title, expressed confidence in his ability to defeat champion Kamaru Usman in their rematch at UFC 268 at Madison Square Garden today.

Both welterweight superstars have a history of animosity before and after Usman’s knockout (punches) victory in their first meeting in 2019 for Usman’s maiden championship defense.

The ‘Nigerian Nightmare’ was called off too soon, according to Covington, who also denied allegations that his jaw was shattered during the battle.

Usman is widely regarded as the best pound-for-pound fighter in the UFC, having gone undefeated in all 14 of his fights there.

Welterweight champion Kamaru Usman (19-1 MMA, 14-0 UFC) puts his title on the line in a rematch against Colby Covington (16-2 MMA, 11-2 UFC).