Colby Covington has been declared as the first title challenger for newly-crowned UFC welterweight champion Kamaru Usman. However, nothing has been set in stone just yet, which is why “The Nigerian Nightmare” is looking to change things up.
During a backstage interview at UFC 236 on Saturday, Usman sent a strong message to his would-be challenger.
“Now you have to beg me for that fight,” Usman said (via MMA Junkie).
After winning the interim 170-pound title in 2018, Covington had always felt deserving of the title challenger spot. So much so that when the UFC decided to pass him over twice, he called for his release from the UFC, and even went as far as confronting Dana White during a blackjack game in Las Vegas at UFC 235 in March.
Usman, however, says he is now in control of negotiations as the champion.
“We all know Colby has avoided this fight for a long, long time,” Usman said. “And you know what? Now it’s time for you to do the appropriate work to make sure that you deserve this.
“Because that’s what he does, that’s what he thrives on – he thinks he deserves everything. He always puts out out there ‘I deserve this, this is what you owe me.’ No. It’s not about that. You’re not in the driver’s seat to make that decision.”
Apart from Covington, Usman sees a whole lot of other options for him to face, given how stacked the division has become with the entry of new possible challengers.
“Look at where the division is now,” he said. “You’ve got freaking Anthony Pettis coming in and knocking out ‘Wonderboy,’ two-time title challenger. You’ve got Masvidal coming in and knocking out Darren Till, former title challenger. There’s some things that are going on there.
“So based on how Ben Askren does in his next performance, that could be a possible option. Don’t forget Santiago Ponzinibbio is still out there. So, there’s options out there.”
Jorge Masvidal, for one, says he is willing to leapfrog his friend and training partner Covington and fight for a title, if given the opportunity.