UFC loudmouth surprises and defends former rival for title fight: 'He deserves it'

Usman (left) x Colby (right) Photo: Reproduction / YouTube @ufc

Away from the octagon since the end of 2024, Colby Covington hasn't stopped paying attention to the top of the welterweight division (up to 77,1 kg), currently dominated by Islam Makhachev . In this context, Caos surprised everyone by putting the rivalry aside and choosing Kamaru Usman as deserving to jump the queue to face the Russian and try to regain the crown. He spoke about the subject in an interview with the American website 'Bloody Elbow' this Monday (2).

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In his argument, the former interim champion highlighted the victorious trajectory of the Nigerian Nightmare, who defended his undisputed title five times and achieved a streak of 15 consecutive wins in the organization, the second-longest streak in history. Furthermore, he downplayed the commercial appeal of names like Carlos Prates and Ian Garry.

“I think Kamaru deserves it. He’s a former champion, he left his mark, and that sells. These other guys don’t have personality. They wouldn’t be able to sell even to flies,” he stated.

Colby Covington backs Kamaru Usman for the welterweight title shot. 💪🤝

"I think Kamaru deserves it. He's a former champion, he made his mark, and it sells. These other kids, they have no personality. They couldn't sell shit to flies."

(Via @BloodyElbow ) pic.twitter.com/81zju8dUxh

— Red Corner MMA (@RedCorner_MMA) March 2, 2026

Covington's speech draws attention given the intense rivalry he had with Usman during the years they shared the top spot in the division. They faced each other twice, with the Nigerian coming out on top in both fights.

Ian Garry is expected to be the UFC title challenger against Makhachev.

Ian Garry has been training in Georgia. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram.

Despite Covington's claims, the UFC seems willing to take a different approach. With the official announcement of the fight between Carlos Prates and Jack Della Maddalena , Ian Garry emerges as the leading candidate to share the octagon with Makhachev in the Russian's first title defense. At the same time, Kamaru Usman also recently stated on the 'Pound 4 Pound' podcast that his request to fight Islam was denied by the company's matchmakers.

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