Colby Covington Accuses Kamaru Usman Of Cheating

Former UFC title contender Colby Covington has levelled accusations of cheating against Nigerian mixed martial artist Kamaru Usman, reigniting tensions from their past encounters as he prepares for his return to the octagon this Saturday.

Speaking during a recent Twitch stream, Covington addressed fan questions about his least favourite opponent and alleged that Usman engaged in dishonest tactics during their previous fights. Covington is set to headline UFC Tampa, where he will face Joaquin Buckley in the main event.

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“Definitely ‘Marty Juiceman’ (Usman). Just because he’s a cheater and he’s a coward. He definitely cheated multiple times in our fights so I just can’t respect someone that cheats in a fight,” Covington said.

“I’ve never cheated. I’ve done everything the right way. I didn’t cut corners, didn’t ask for shortcuts, had to go the long way.”

The 36-year-old American has faced Kamaru Usman twice, coming up short in both encounters.

Their first clash took place at UFC 245 in December 2019, where Usman retained the welterweight title with a stoppage victory over Covington. In their rematch at UFC 268 in November 2021, Usman secured a close decision win to once again defeat his rival.

Usman, currently on a three-fight losing streak, has not addressed Covington’s recent allegations. The former champion’s last appearance in the octagon was at UFC 294 in October 2023, where he suffered a majority decision loss to Khamzat Chimaev in a short-notice bout.

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The 37-year-old Auchi-born fighter recently declined a fight against undefeated contender Shavkat Rakhmonov at UFC 310 on December 7, citing the date as “too early” for his return, though he acknowledged it as a “very winnable fight.”

Usman’s career record remains impressive at 20 wins and four losses, including 15 victories in the UFC. However, his recent setbacks include consecutive defeats to Leon Edwards—a knockout at UFC 278 that ended his title reign and a majority decision loss in their trilogy bout at UFC 286.

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