Colby Covington is finally getting his shot at the undisputed UFC welterweight title.
While no date or location has been determined at this time, UFC president Dana White confirmed on Tuesday night that Covington’s lopsided win over former champion Robbie Lawler sealed the deal on a fight against Kamaru Usman later this year.
“That’s why I put Covington on ESPN against a guy like Lawler,” White said when asked if Covington was assured the next shot at the welterweight title when speaking to reporters following the Contender Series on Tuesday. “You can say whatever you want about Covington, you don’t like him, you don’t this, that, or whatever — he put on a clinic against Lawler, who is a beast. Lawler’s been in all the big fights, former world champion, hits like a truck and Colby completely shut him down.
“His cardio was impressive and the way that he beat Lawler was even more impressive.”
Covington previously held the UFC interim welterweight title just over a year ago but was then stripped of the belt when he was unable to face then champion Tyron Woodley three months after a five round battle against Rafael dos Anjos.
Dana White: Colby Covington receives next title shot, Jorge Masvidal will be offered new opponent