"He's going to put the pressure on you" - Kamaru Usman highlights the contrast between fighting Leon Edwards and Colby Covington
As the welterweight title fight between Leon Edwards and Colby Covington heats up at UFC 296, former champion Kamaru Usman has shed light on the contrasting styles they present. Usman has fought both men a combined five times.
In a recent episode of DC & Friends, Usman acknowledged Covington's relentless pressure and striking focus, stating:
"Colby Covington fought me neck and neck. I just had to outclass him towards the end... he's going to shoot repeatedly, and then he's going to put the pressure on you, and he's going to strike and strike and strike."
Speaking of Edwards, 'The Nigerian Nightmare' had this to say:
"There wasn't a fight that where I wasn't completely dominating at some point in that fight. When I utilized my wrestling, there wasn't a time when I couldn't go get the takedown. Of course, I give the champion his credit. He has definitely improved greatly with his takedown defense, but I will adapt. I will adjust, and I will strike because I know I can put you out with that shot."
Check out Kamaru Usman's comments below (10:47):
Usman battled Covington twice during his reign as champion, emerging victorious via TKO at UFC 245 and decision at UFC 268.
'The Nigerian Nightmare' also faced and beat Edwards once before capturing the welterweight title. However, Edwards' meteoric rise culminated in him dethroning Usman at UFC 278 with a stunning last-minute knockout. Their title rematch at UFC 286 saw the Brit successfully defend his title via a majority decision.
Kamaru Usman crowns Colby Covington king of welterweight star power, belt or not
During the same interview with Daniel Cormier, Kamaru Usman also weighed in on Leon Edwards and Colby Covington's star power. He declared Covington the bigger draw, even without the championship belt around his waist.
'The Nigerian Nightmare's' reasoning hinges on Covington's ability to elicit strong reactions from the audience:
"Undeniably, it's Colby Covington because of what he's able to do... Leon can be on the opposite side of the room and I'll be on the opposite side of the room and everything will be just fine. But if Colby Covington is on the opposite side of the room and I'm on the opposite side of the room, everybody in between in that room is nervous... when you are able to make people feel a certain way about you, that's what sets them apart from everyone... It's what Colby has done and it's what has made him a star."[18:34]
Covington's willingness to embrace the villain role, with his relentless trash-talking and flamboyant antics, undoubtedly contributes to his notoriety.