Colby Covington is next in line for the UFC Welterweight Title.
According to ESPN's Brett Okamoto, UFC informed Covington that he would get the first crack at new UFC Welterweight Champion Kamaru Usman. Dana White confirmed the news in the UFC 235 post-fight press conference, revealing he told Covington during the fight between Usman and Tyron Woodley, "You're gonna get this title fight. Don't fuck this up." White was concerned Covington would start something with Usman or Woodley following the bout. Usman and Covington did exchange words after the new champ exited the cage but Usman was pulled away before things escalated.
Covington responded to the news of his title shot on social media.
Correction: UFC has already informed Colby Covington he will defend against newly crowned number 1 contender Marty Snoozeman. And that's not news Brett. That's how number 1 contenders work. #PeoplesChamp https://t.co/oBREeUGZaH
— Colby Covington (@ColbyCovMMA) March 3, 2019
Covington won the Interim Welterweight Title at UFC 225 against Rafael dos Anjos. He was reportedly offered the fight against Woodley at UFC 235, but turned it down according to White. Usman stepped up in his place and dominated Woodley, handily winning a unanimous decision to become the new king at welterweight.
When asked about Covington in the post-fight press conference, Usman said, "I want to fuck that guy up so bad. I can't be in a room with that guy. I'm going to enjoy brutalizing him."
No date or event has been set for the fight. Usman revealed in the post-fight press conference that he fractured his foot leading up to UFC 235 and spent the past week in a walking boot. There is no word on how long he could be sidelined.
