Colby Covington has called out Kamaru Usman for a Real American Freestyle match.
Covington made his RAF debut against Luke Rockhold earlier this year, and his connection to the promotion has only grown since then.
‘Chaos’ is now a long-term partner and investor in Real American Beer, and he is looking to add another wrestling match to his schedule soon.
In a move similar to discussions around Jon Jones vs. Daniel Cormier completing their trilogy in RAF, Covington has pitched the idea of facing off against the biggest rival of his career: Kamaru Usman.
Colby Covington challenges Kamaru Usman to RAF trilogy if UFC title shot does not happen
Covington has thrown down the gauntlet to Usman once again, this time challenging him to a Real American Freestyle wrestling match as a way to settle their rivalry.
‘The Nigerian Nightmare’ has made it clear that he is not aligned with the UFC’s direction when it comes to his push for a title fight against Islam Makhachev.
While discussing his belief that Usman deserves a chance at Makhachev, ‘Chaos’ also made it clear that there is another option on the table if that fight falls through.
“You know what I’d really like to see? I’d like to see Usman in Real American Freestyle,” he said. “We need to do this. We need to settle the trilogy in Real American Freestyle so that’s what I’m proposing here today. If Usman doesn’t get the title fight, come see daddy at Real American Freestyle and let’s do this trilogy b—-,” he told Bloody Elbow.
The two fighters have faced off twice before, with Covington coming up short on both occasions. Their first meeting came back in 2019, with the rematch taking place two years later.
Covington felt hard done by after both fights, calling one a “scam” due to refereeing decisions and arguing that many fans scored the second bout in his favour.
And his belief that the matchup could happen is fuelled by Usman’s recent comments regarding the opponents he is targeting.
“I think he would [take the match]. He’s a competitor. He likes to compete, he’s still got that fire and drive. He wants these title fights, he wants these big matchups… I think he would do it. I think it intrigues him. I think he wants to settle the score,” Covington stated.
“He’s said for a while that he wants to do a trilogy with me because we’ve got unfinished business… It only makes sense. Let’s settle this in Real American Freestyle for our trilogy Usman.”
Kamaru Usman was credited with the only takedown in his two UFC fights against Colby Covington
Neither fighter attempted a takedown in their first meeting at UFC 245, despite both men being known for their wrestling.
The fight played out entirely on the feet, with Usman coming out on top after finishing Covington with just 50 seconds remaining in the final round.
When they met again at UFC 268, ‘Chaos’ changed his approach by attempting 11 takedowns throughout the fight.
Despite the increased focus from the American star, official UFC stats credited Usman with the bout’s only successful takedown, even though he had significantly fewer attempts.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
