UFC 268: 5 predictions for Usman vs. Covington

Kamaru Usman’s rematch tour resumes on Saturday as he takes on Colby Covington in the main event of UFC 268. Fans have been clamoring for the sequel to this blood rivalry since their first fight at UFC 245 in 2019.

With Usman wiping the floor with every single challenger he’s faced so far, the only man who ever gave him a run for his money was Covington. Ultimately, ‘The Nigerian Nightmare’ reigned supreme as he silenced his foul-mouthed foe with some jaw-breaking punches.

On Saturday, Covington will be coming back with a vengeance as he vowed to dethrone the welterweight kingpin. Although ‘Chaos’ has been eerily silent throughout the build-up, Thursday’s press conference served as a reminder there’s still no love lost between the champion and challenger.

Of course, the fans aren’t the only ones who are hyped about the mega matchup. Ahead of UFC 268, some of the octagon’s biggest stars chimed in with their thoughts about Usman vs. Covington 2. On that note, here are five hard-hitting predictions for Saturday night’s main event.

#5. UFC strawweight champion Rose Namajunas

Rose Namajunas and Kamaru Usman share the same striking coach, Trevor Wittman. As a teammate of the reigning 185-pound kingpin, Namajunas has an up-close view of Usman’s growth throughout the years. Although her opinion might be biased, the queen of strawweight believes the ever-improving Usman will make short work of Covington. She said:

"I think defense is gonna be the key to this fight – durability. And Kamaru, it was a very back and forth fight the first time but I think Kamaru has made the most improvement. I think he looks the most improved fighter so I would say that Kamaru can outclass Colby Covington and put him away just a little bit earlier. But you never know, it’s a fight, right? So it would be interesting if maybe Colby can mix in the wrestling in there or something, instead of it just being a brawl, like it was last time. But I see Kamaru winning hands down."

Official Pick: Kamaru Usman via TKO

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#4. Former UFC middleweight champion Michael Bisping

Former UFC middleweight champ and commentator Michael Bisping is convinced that Kamaru Usman will overwhelm Colby Covington at UFC 268. The initial encounter may have been settled on the feet, but Bisping believes Usman will mix in some takedowns this time around.

With that in mind, Bisping theorized that the threat of the takedown will allow Usman to land the fight-ending blow. The British MMA star said:

"I’m picking Kamaru Usman, baby! By knockout! He’s going to take him [Colby Covington] down and going to pound him out on the ground. I think he’s going to knock him out. I think he’s going to catch him on the feet. I think his striking has massively since he’s been training with Trevor Wittman. And then as the fight progresses, I think one of those punches is going to put him down, and he’s going to follow him down there, and he’s gonna beat the hell out of him on the ground."

Official pick: Kamaru Usman via KO

#3. UFC welterweight contender Stephen ‘Wonderboy’ Thompson

Stephen ‘Wonderboy’ Thompson is impressed with Kamaru Usman’s newly-found finishing ability. There’s no doubt in Thompson’s mind that Usman is better-equipped to dominate Covington this time around. The No.5-ranked UFC welterweight said:

"We haven’t seen Colby Covington since his fight with Tyron Woodley and that’s been a while. But we have seen the improvement, the tremendous improvement in Kamaru Usman. We know he’s a phenomenal wrestler, he’s got a tremendous gas tank. But now he’s finishing guys. He just knocked out one of the best strikers in the welterweight division, Jorge Masvidal. And he’s putting people to sleep. He put Gilbert Burns to sleep with a jab. He’s improving everywhere, not just his wrestling but his striking as well. I think I got Kamaru Usman. Kamaru Usman is going to put it on Colby Covington, put it on him. His striking is better than the last time they fought. He’s a very big welterweight, he’s a very strong welterweight and I think it’s gonna go the same way it did last time [but] in a shorter time."

Official pick: Kamaru Usman via TKO

#2. Former UFC middleweight title challenger Chael Sonnen

Chael Sonnen believes Colby Covington’s motivation will allow him to triumph against the dominant champion at UFC 268. According to Sonnen, Usman could lack the desire to win as he’s already enjoyed success in the past few years. The former UFC middleweight stated:

“My official prediction for Colby Covington vs. Kamaru Usman: and new. I believe that the motivation of Kamaru Usman cannot possibly be as strong as Colby Covington’s. What evidence do I have to say that? How would I ever know? How would you know? How could we ever prove that? That would be intrinsic to both guys. Even if they cooperated and played along, it’s not like we can hook them up to a machine and find out, right? I just look at Kamaru Usman, who is cloaked in success. This guy has got titles everywhere. He’s got the most beautiful record. He’s headlining shows, he’s cleaned out divisions, he’s gonna clean it out the second time. [But] is that enough motivation?”

Official pick: Colby Covington via decision

#1. UFC welterweight contender Vicente Luque

Vicente Luque is on the shortlist of potential title challengers in the welterweight division. Fourth in the UFC welterweight rankings, Luque could possibly face the loser – or winner if Leon Edwards isn’t available – of UFC 268’s main event. Needless to say, Luque will be watching closely on Saturday. The Brazilian said:

“I’m going with Kamaru for the win. He’s looking great. He is definitely one of the greatest champions in the welterweight division. He’s evolving every single fight. It’s crazy how his boxing has improved in his last two fights especially in the (fight) with (Jorge) Masvidal. Knocking Masvidal out. Like that is not for anyone to do especially for someone that wasn’t a striker originally. I see him winning this (Covington) fight. I think he’s gonna go out there and fight smart in the striking. I think he will get another knockout. I would say between the second or third round. If it’s a different fight maybe it’s going to be a little more difficult for Kamaru but he’s still gonna get the win. And maybe a knockout in the fourth or fifth but I don’t know, I don’t see the fight going all the way.”

Official pick: Kamaru Usman via KO