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UFC 268: Usman Aims to Shut Up Covington for Good

· Nov 04 - 4 minutes read

The Kamaru Usman-Jorge Masvidal rematch this summer is but an appetizer to the rematch the fans truly wanted. Colby “Chaos” Covington gets his second shot at his arch-nemesis, “Marty Fake-news-man” in what should be a barnburner of a main event for UFC 268.

BetUS sportsbook presents the UFC welterweight champion, Kamaru Usman (19-1-0) as another large favorite over Covington (16-2-0). Usman finished Covington, albeit controversially, in the first fight and the pair have had a different take on what transpired. Since this fight, their skills have grown but their bad blood remains the same.

UFC 268: Usman Aims To Shut Covington Up For Good — Alex Menendez/Getty Images/AFP

Date: Saturday, Nov. 6, 10 p.m. ET
Venue: Madison Square Garden, New York City, NY, United States
Watch on: Pay-per-view

Kamaru Usman (c) vs Colby Covington II

Weight Class: Welterweight (170 lbs)
Rounds: Five (Main Event)
Moneyline: Colby Covington +250, Kamaru Usman -350
Totals: Over 3½ (-140o), Under 3½ (+110u)

Usman already proved in his rematch against Jorge Masvidal how second fights can be entirely different than the first. This is why the UFC betting lines have him as a significantly larger favorite this time The champion closed at -200 the first time he fought Covington and now he’s already at -350 after opening at -280.

Folks have been impressed by Usman’s flawless knockout of Masvidal. His improved striking should prove to be the difference here unless Covington can throw “chaos” into his plans.

Has Time Passed Covington By?

Covington has been something the MMA community has not expected of him: quiet. The former interim champion has not only been less vocal than usual but has only fought once since he lost to Usman. And this win over Tyron Woodley is looking a lot less impressive considering YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul beat him in a boxing match.

There could be plenty of rust for Covington to have to shrug off when he gets in there with Usman. But on the flip side, he is a much fresher fighter and hasn’t been as damaged. Having good health would help if he is to continue pushing the pace on Usman.

The former Div. I All-American is still sharpening his skills, primarily his striking defense. If he can bring his newfound techniques while maintaining his relentlessness, he may just be worth betting online.

Usman Ready to Cement Pound-for-Pound Status

What Covington is doing, Usman could be doing better. The champion keeps improving and his sharper boxing skills were on full display when he became the first UFC fighter to put Masvidal out cold.

Usman is working with renowned striking coach Trevor Wittman, who is also coaching two-time strawweight champion Rose Namajunas among others. If Usman already broke Covington’s jaw then, he could do worse with better striking accuracy and power.

With a win over Covington already in his belt, Usman also has less pressure and can fight a more defensive style. He has a four-inch reach advantage and can switch his stance. Being in a fighting shape will also help as Usman may need a shorter up time to get into high gear.

Usman vs Covington: Who Wins?

A win for Covington may be better for the UFC business-wise, but that doesn’t mean that will happen. Usman has just grown more in the time they spent away from each other. Covington may be spending as much time in the gym honing his skills, but Usman has put his skills to the test and come out better.

There is still value on betting Usman straight at -350 or stacking him on a parlay. But with how overeager and hittable Covington is, Usman will likely land a knockout blow at some point. Taking Usman to win by T/KO is at +120 and is one of the best UFC bets this Saturday.