Kamaru Usman emerged victorious after facing Colby Covington for the second time at UFC 268. Usman earned all three votes from the judges as he completed a successful title defence for the fifth time. This is his third win this year and his 19th professional win from 20 fights. The fight was well-received by both fans and critics. Despite losing, many felt that Covington put up a good fight and even Usman agreed.
Usman had the fight in his control from the first round, where he threw the first punch. Covington tried to go for a takedown, but Usman was quick to flip it over, sending Covington to the floor instead. They both get up, then Usman gets a quick takedown, punching Covington some more. Covington was almost helpless that round and his luck did not improve much in the second round either. He tried to attack Usman with kicks but The Nigerian Nightmare blocked them all. Then Usman knocked down Covington with a left just before the round came to an end.
Covington appeared to pick up the pace in the third round as he landed a solid shot just a minute in. Be then tried to get a takedown but his opponent was quicker and Covington was on the floor instead. But he was able to get a takedown just seconds before the round ended, as he punished Usman a little. Covington carried the same fire into the fourth round, where he landed more punches than Usman. Both men trade blows in this round, although it seemed like Covington was the one calling the shots.
The fifth round saw both men doing as much damage as they could. Usman still looked fresh but Covington already had bruises on his body at this point. When the fight came an end, both men paid respects to each other, which was particularly surprising, given the history between the two of them.
Usman won the decision of the judges 48-47, 48-47, 49-46. Covington needed immediate medical care as he left the venue in crutches. Both men had high praises for each other. Usman said that Covington was tough and that he gave him a hard time during the fight. Covington said that although he fought well, the fight was Usman’s to win.
Written by: Leon Osamor
