However, according to a series of tweets from Ariel Helwani of ESPN, a bout between Usman and Covington may not be happening after all:
The Kamaru Usman v Colby Covington 170 title fight is far from done, multiple sources say. In fact, negotiations have hit a snag and UFC is now looking at other options, sources say. Those options include a different welterweight title fight and/or a different main event.
— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) September 5, 2019
The making of this fight has taken many twists and turns over the past few days, so there’s no telling if they end up with it. But right now, it’s not in good standing and other options are being explored. Developing.
— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) September 5, 2019
This is for the MSG card on Nov. 2, by the way.
— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) September 5, 2019
Since there is a possibility that Usman versus Covington won’t be happening, another challenger has stepped forward in the form of Jorge Masvidal:
I’m partying too @USMAN84kg what’s the hold up? Sign the contract #supernecessary #theresurrection #strapcity https://t.co/SEUts3EheW
— Jorge Masvidal UFC (@GamebredFighter) September 5, 2019
That really looks like I’m partying... clown sit down FOH. https://t.co/SlshmAK43U
— KAMARU USMAN (@USMAN84kg) September 6, 2019
Masvidal would also call out Nate Diaz for a bout at UFC 244, which would anger Covington:
Hey @NateDiaz209 fuck these losers. See you at MSG. #BMF title on the line #supernecessary
— Jorge Masvidal UFC (@GamebredFighter) September 6, 2019
.@GamebredFighter I know you’re dumb and desperate, but you spelled JOURNEYMAN TITLE wrong junior. Reading is fundamental and #supernecessary. Just like WINNING is #supernecessary to get title fights. You should try both sometime, you trash bag. https://t.co/OTjrSKNbOI
— Colby Covington (@ColbyCovMMA) September 6, 2019
UFC 244 is less than two months away and while some bouts have been announced for the card, no main event has been announced as of this writing.
