What Is Next For Colby Covington After the Jaw-Breaking Loss to Kamaru Usman

Colby Covington and Kamaru Usman went into an absolute war in the main event of UFC 245. Going into the fight there were a lot of speculations surrounding who the better wrestler is among the two. However, we did not get our answers as Covington and Usman did not even attempt a takedown. They decided to strike with each other until someone breaks. Unfortunately, it was Colby Covington.

It was a very competitive fight. The outcome would have been a lot different if Covington had not broken his jaw. The stoppage was not ideal and there were a few strikes from close to the territory of being called illegal. However, keeping all that behind where do both the fighters go next?

Kamaru Usman has a few opponents ahead of him. He is likely to defend his title against Jorge Masvidal next unless Masvidal vs McGregor happens somehow. Apart from Masvidal, Usman can fight Leon Edwards who is on an impressive win streak. But let’s talk about Colby Covington who came short on Saturday night.

First of all, irrespective of the outcome of the fight, the heart, and courage that Covington put on display on last night is certainly praiseworthy. He competed against the welterweight champion with a broken jaw in a dog fight. So although an immediate rematch would make sense it’s very unlikely to happen.

Even without the rematch, there are a few fascinating fights for Colby at the welterweight division that will take him to another title shot. Covington has barely fought anyone in the top 5. He has not fought Tyron Woodley, Leon Edwards, and Jorge Masvidal. Well, considering Masvidal fights for the title, Colby Covington vs Tyron Woodley makes the most sense.

Both fighters are coming from a loss against Kamaru Usman in a title fight and both of them are still highly ranked in the division. Besides that Covington and Woodley were supposed to fight in the past on multiple occasions. However, due to unfortunate injuries that fight never came into fruition. Hence Woodley vs Covington is an intriguing matchup in the division especially for someone like Covington who likes a little bit of drama leading up to his fights.

Apart from the fight with Woodley, Covington vs Leon Edwards would make sense too. Woodley is out due to injuries and he has not issued any statement on the timeline of his return. Hence if not Woodley, then Leon Edwards should seek the fight with Colby Covington. It’s safe to say that the very reason Edwards is not even considered for the title shot at the moment by both UFC and the fans is his impact. He is on a great winning run, but his fights are not appealing to the mass. However, if he manages to win against Colby Covington that might be the coming-out party he needs.

Apart from that Colby Covington vs Jorge Masvidal is always on the card. Covington suffered a broken jaw during the fight and hence it’s safe to assume that he will be away from the action for a meaningful period. Meanwhile, if Masvidal fights Usman for the title and wins it then Covington vs Masvidal would be a huge fight. Covington vs Usman was very close and fans are not going to complain to see the rivalry between Covington and Masvidal turn into a mega fight in the octagon.