UFC 245, Colby Covington vs Kamaru Usman: UFC Fighters’ Predictions and Analysis

The wait is over. We are days away from one of the most exciting matchups in 2019. Colby Covington takes on Kamaru Usman with the welterweight title on the line. There is bad blood between these two welterweight elites going into the fight. However, that alone does not make this fight intriguing. Both fighters are phenomenal wrestlers, have a high volume in striking, and have an insane pace. It’s going to be a 5 round war that’s for sure. Let’s check what these UFC fighters have to say about Colby Covington vs Kamaru Usman.

UFC 245, Colby Covington vs Kamaru Usman Prediction

UFC welterweight, Stephen Thompson is leaning towards the champion on December 14th. He stated:

“I got Kamaru Usman. I think he is a great champion. He has got a good head on his shoulder. He is a great fighter, a very intelligent guy. I got him winning. Colby is good at what he does. They are both very similar fighters. I think the winner is gonna be who outstrikes the other guy.”

Related: Interesting stats of Colby Covington vs Kamaru Usman

Urijah Faber who takes on Petr Yan on UFC 245 also believes that Usman will get the job done at UFC 245.

“I guess it’s gonna finally come down to striking. Because the wrestling is gonna cancel each other out. When Woodley fought Usman, I though Woodley was gonna best him in the striking. It’s hard to say really. But if I had to bet on a guy I would say Usman since he is the champ. He has a little more experience as a champion.” said Faber.

Related: Covington’s Steroids Accusations on Kamaru Usman

Former Bellator and ONE welterweight champion, Ben Askren has claimed that though both fighters are very similar, Usman edges Covington in each department.

“I have always said, Usman. I think they are almost the same fighter actually. I think Marty is just a little better everywhere.”  answered Askren.

UFC lightweight, Kevin Lee is confident that Usman has this fight in his bag as he said: “Usman all day. It’s a great fight. But Usman is better all around.”

UFC heavyweights, Curtis Blaydes also favors Usman in this one. Though he appreciates the pace and high output of Covington he believes Usman would dictate the fight.

“I got Usman. Usman is the bigger man. They both are good wrestlers. But Usman is a different type of wrestler. He gets a position, secures the takedown, and just stays on the top. Colby is a very high pace and high output, but his technique is not very clean when it comes to grappling exchanges. He would have to take it for a 5 round sprint. Usman wants to take it a lot slower. I think Usman is going to get him on the ground slow it down.”

UFC featherweight, Calvin Kattar though picked Kamaru Usman to win although he gives a solid chance to Covington too.

“Usman seems dialed in and focused. But the amount of shit that Covington talks it has got to drive you to put work in the gym. Cause you can’t talk that shit bunless you are getting in the work. It’s going to be a fun one.” said Kattar.

UFC bantamweight, Cody Stamann shockingly predicts Covington to be the new welterweight champion and said:

“I think Covington can beat him. He is probably the only guy who can beat him. Who gets on the gas pedal and stays on the pedal longer. Colby Covington has that gas tank.”

UFC bantamweight, Ricky Simon surprisingly favors Covington against Usman. Simon stated:

“I think I got Covington on this bone. I really admire his pace and output. I like how he mixes his striking with wrestling.”

Colby Covington vs Kamaru Usman is a tough one to predict. Both are phenomenal wrestlers. However, Covington does not look to do much damage on the ground or secure position and involve in the grappling exchange. On the other hand, Usman grapples his opponent on the ground. While Usman does the most damage on the ground and inside the clinches Covington picks apart his opponents with his high volume and high pace striking. It would be intriguing to see who comes out victorious on December 14th with that welterweight title.