UFC Refuses to Award Colby Covington a Takedown Against Kamaru Usman – States It’s Reason

UFC 268 saw Kamaru Usman defend his title against Colby Covington. He won the fight via a unanimous decision. With the win over his rival, Usman took his UFC record to 15-0 and is undefeated in his last 19 fights. The Nigerian fighter also maintained his 100 percent UFC takedown defense. However, there was a lot of controversy surrounding that.

Covington, a few seconds before the end of the third round, appeared to have taken down his opponent. After exchanging a few strikes on their feet, ‘Chaos’ slipped behind Usman and tripped him, which forced him to go down on all fours. The challenger had his hands locked around the champion’s waist. Usman got back up before being put back on his fours again. The commentators, especially Daniel Cormier, scored that as a takedown for Covington.

However, it was later revealed that it was an unsuccessful attempt by the challenger. According to UFC officials, it was not credited as a takedown. They said, “MMA takedowns require a fighter to attain a controlling ground position and Covington did not. This differs compared to how takedowns are scored in wrestling matches.” 

Per UFC officials, the official reason for why Covington was not credited with a takedown against Usman:

“MMA takedowns require a fighter to attain a controlling ground position and Covington did not. This differs compared to how takedowns are scored in wrestling matches.”

— Aaron Bronsteter (@aaronbronsteter) November 9, 2021

Covington did not establish an advantageous position on the mat. That was the reason they did not give him that takedown.

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Next challenges for Kamaru Usman and Colby Covington

Kamaru Usman has now defended his title five times. He is on a 15 fight win streak; the second longest in UFC history. ‘The Nigerian Nightmare‘ looks unstoppable at the moment. That brings up the question – what’s next for the UFC welterweight champion. Many, along with UFC President Dana White believe, Leon Edwards deserves a shot.

Edwards will face Masvidal next at UFC 269, and a win for him would most definitely mean a title shot. However, a win for ‘Gamebred’ can lead to a trilogy fight with Usman.

There is a name that has gained a lot of traction recently. That name is Khamzat Chimaev. The UFC newcomer has been dominant ever since he stepped inside the octagon. But he’s still new and might have to win a couple of more fights to get a title shot.

As far as Covington is concerned, he would like to get back into the title picture. In the post-fight press conference, he brought up the name Masvidal. They have a long history and would make for a great story.

‘Chaos’ said, “I think the most logical step is the heated rivalry with me and my old roommate, Street Judas Masvidal. He should probably pull out of that fight against Leon Scott and we should just run it.”

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A fight between ‘Chaos’ and ‘Gamebred‘ would excite the fans and would make for great PPV numbers. However, everything will depend on the outcome of Edwards vs. Masvidal.

Do you think that was a successful takedown by Colby Covington? Who do you think the UFC 268 main event fighters should face next? Let us know in the comments!

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