The fight was once again a back-and-forth affair, but Usman
proved to be just one step ahead of the challenge from Covington.
The first round immediately looked different than the first
showdown between the two welterweights. No one attempted a takedown in the
first fight while both went to their wrestling roots against their opponent
with Usman getting the better of the exchanges.
The champion dialed up the pressure in the second round. The
disparity between the two when it comes to striking became even more apparent
as the Nigerian Nightmare settled in. He nearly ended the fight with a left
hook to close out the second round.
While Usman's punches clearly had an impact on Covington,
Chaos was seemingly unable to rock the champion even when he landed cleanly.
He did, however, nearly become the first person to take down
Usman in the third round.
He was ultimately unsuccessful but it was a sign of what was
to come from the challenger. Despite losing the first two rounds handily he
kept coming forward and trying to make it a competitive fight.
The fifth and final round was more of the same as both fighters
tried to finish strong with the fight potentially tied at two rounds apiece.
Covington landed some early heavy blows but went for a takedown that was
immediately stuffed.
Ultimately, the first fight looked a whole lot like the
first with the exception of Usman finding a finish in the fifth round. These
two were built to challenge each other and they have now put together 10
high-quality rounds.
Usman has been well-established now as the best welterweight
on the planet, and this win is just further proof. The first fight between him
and Covington was a barnburner, but Usman had the upper hand in that one too,
finishing him in the fifth round.
Covington talked and worked his way to a rematch with a
fifth-round TKO of his own over Tyron Woodley but still wasn't up to the task
of unseating the champion.
Usman's title reign might not have the length of other
greats like Georges St-Pierre and Anderson Silva, but his ability to stay busy
and beat the top names in his division has been impressive.
Of course, there are still challenges out there. Khamzat
Chimaev continues to climb the ranks in the division. Leon Edwards could be on
the horizon if he gets past Jorge Masvidal in December.
But those fighters better make their case soon. The
34-year-old has begun talking like a fighter who is considering retirement in
the not-so-distant future.
"As far as me [fighting Chimaev], you know I'm in a
point in life to where I understand how much this takes from you," the
champion told reporters at media day. "I've been nine weeks now away from
my daughter, and FaceTime does help, but it doesn't do it justice, as far as
being there each and every day. So obviously I don't know how much longer I'm
willing to do this."
Usman's dominance has been fun to watch and an intriguing
storyline in the division, but it sounds like fans should be enjoying it as
long as it lasts.