UFC Reacts To Kamaru Usman’s Fifth Title Defense Against Colby Covington
UFC 268 witnessed one of the greatest welterweight title fights in the history of MMA as the champion, Kamaru Usman, defended his throne against the “Chaos” Colby Covington.
The fight went back and forth as both fighters had their moments, but it was the “Nigerian Nightmare,” Usman who held strong and secured a unanimous decision victory over Covington.
All judges scored in the favor of Usman, with the No.1 pound for pound entrant taking home scores of 48-47 twice and 49-46 on the night.
It was Usman’s fifth title defense, and he is now tied with Matt Hughes for the second-longest streak in the welterweight division, with Georges St-Pierre’s leading the charts with the tally of nine.
In the co-main event, Women’s Strawweight Champion Rose Namajunas continued on her merry way and secured the second win over China’s Weili Zhang. This fight was also even, but the Wisconsin native had done enough to earn a split decision in her favor.
The fight fans were enthralled by the performances of the competitors in the octagon. Fellow UFC fighters also had their say as they took to Twitter and praised the fighters.
Current UFC Heavyweight Champion, Francis Ngannou wrote, “AND STIIIIIILLLLLLLL”
AND STIIIIIILLLLLLLL… 🤴 🏆 #UFC268
— Francis Ngannou (@francis_ngannou) November 7, 2021
The No. 3 ranked light heavyweight, Aleksandar Rakic said, “Congratulations @USMAN84kg #andstill.
No shame in a performance like that @ColbyCovMMA. Keep doing your thing my friend!”
Congratulations @USMAN84kg #andstill
No shame in a performance like that @ColbyCovMMA. Keep doing your thing my friend!@ufc#UFC268
— Aleksandar Rakic (@rakic_ufc) November 7, 2021
The former pound-for-pound king, Jon Jones also lauded Usman’s performance, stating, “Great work tonight champ.”
Great work tonight champ 🇳🇬
— BONY (@JonnyBones) November 7, 2021
While many fighters were busy praising Usman’s dominance in the octagon, the “Funky Master,” Ben Askren was back to his usual self, taking a jibe at the judge who had scored 49-46 in the favor of Usman.
Askren quoted, “Damn same judge went 4 rounds to Marty”
Damn same judge went 4 rounds to Marty https://t.co/sSlz8ZsDcP
— Funky (@Benaskren) November 7, 2021
The No. 12 ranked featherweight, Sodiq Yusuff wrote, “Usman just passed GSP.”
Usman just passed GSP 🤷🏿♂️
— Sodiq Yusuff (@Super_Sodiq) November 7, 2021
Kenny Florian also paid tribute to both fighters saying, “Awesome main event between two tough SOB’s! Usman is one hell of a champion and Colby was right there with him.”
Awesome main event between two tough SOB’s! Usman is one hell of a champion and Colby was right there with him.
— Kenny Florian (@kennyflorian) November 7, 2021