Usman vs. Covington Title Fight Set for UFC 245

It looks like the highly anticipated Kamaru Usman vs. Colby Covington welterweight title fight might finally happen at UFC 245. ESPN reports that the fight is actually “set” for the upcoming December event in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Previously, the UFC tried to book the fight for UFC 244 in November at Madison Square Garden. However, negotiations fell through with both Covington and Usman. Covington reportedly turned the fight down. In a later interview with ESPN’s Ariel Helwani, Covington stated the UFC was only willing to offer him a “basic challenger’s rate.” At one point, UFC tried to book Usman vs. Jorge Masvidal for the welterweight title for UFC 244, but that matchup also fell through. This ultimately led to the fight booking between Nate Diaz and Masvidal for the currently unofficial “BMF” belt at the event, which is gaining a lot of buzz.

Additionally, ESPN’s report notes that UFC reached out to welterweight contender Leon Edwards to be on standby in the event a deal could not be reached with Covington or Usman. However, since the fight deal has been made, it’s currently unknown what will happen with Edwards.

Champ Usman won the title last March against Tyron Woodley at UFC 235. Covington, a former interim champ, last fought at UFC on ESPN 5 in August, where he beat Robbie Lawler in a dominant decision. Covington has not lost in his last seven fights. Usman is undefeated in the UFC at 10-0. He’s 15-1 overall for his MMA career, as is Covington.

The UFC has not yet officially announced the new title matchup between Usman and Covington.

UFC 245 is scheduled for December 14. The event will be held at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Champ Max Holloway vs. Alexander Volkanovsky for the featherweight title is also scheduled for the card, along with champion Amanda Nunes defending the UFC women’s bantamweight title against Germaine de Randamie, who is a former UFC women’s featherweight champ.