NEW YORK – Dana White thinks Colby Covington would beat everybody in the welterweight division … except champion Kamaru Usman.
Usman (20-1 MMA, 15-0 UFC) retained his title in another thrilling war against Covington (16-2 MMA, 11-2 UFC) this past Saturday in the main event of UFC 268 when he was able to fend off Covington’s late surge.
The champion looked sharp early, dropping Covington twice in Round 2. The always tough Covington came surging back in the championship rounds, but Usman was able to survive his rally. Following the fight, White lauded Covington for his valiant effort, saying he just happens to be in the same division as the current No. 1 pound-for-pound fighter.
“If Usman doesn’t exist, Colby Covington is the champion here,” White told reporters at the UFC 268 post-fight news conference. “Usman is just – this guy is the best ever. He’s the best welterweight of all time. He is on his way to possible GOAT status, and Colby Covington is one tough dude. He is so tough.
“He’s the second best guy in the division. He’s the second best guy in the world, no doubt about it. The guy is so durable and tough. His fighting style is tough to beat, and his cardio is insane. So I don’t think anybody else beats that guy but Usman. If Usman doesn’t exist, he’s the world champion. But unfortunately for him, Usman does (exist).”
After his second loss to Usman, Covington turned his attention to former friend-turned-foe Jorge Masvidal, who’s currently booked to face Leon Edwards at UFC 269 on Dec. 11. Covington was disappointed with his loss, but not deterred. The former interim champion vowed not to give up on his title quest.
UFC 268 took place Saturday at Madison Square Garden. The main card streamed on ESPN+ pay-per-view after prelims on ESPN News/ESPN+.
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