Welterweight champion Kamaru Usman has admitted he’s excited about the opportunity to watch two of his rivals Colby Covington and Tyron Woodley fight in just a couple of weeks time.
“This is an intriguing fight. I love this fight,” Usman said following Saturday night’s UFC Fight Night 176 event. “This is a grudge match that should have happened a long time ago.
“Somebody came through and kind of ruined those plans but the fight is still happening now.”
Usman then went on to break down how he feels about Woodley’s chances of emerging victorious against Covington.
“I think that this is the best and possibly the worst case scenario for Tyron Woodley. As far as style matchups, I think this is probably one of the worst stylistic matchups for him after coming off back-to-back fights with guys that love kind of pressure him. Guys that can grapple as well and guys that kind of throw some volume.”
That being said, he sees upsides for the former champion too.
“On the flipside, this is a tremendous matchup for Tyron Woodley because Tyron Woodley is a specialist when it comes to dealing with southpaws. He knows how to angle off, to kind of guide them into that big right hand that he has.
“Of course, the one thing that I feel like I’m being pulled in again is Tyron is giving me this ‘I’m back, I’m back, I’m back.’ So I’m starting to drink the Kool-Aid again. Maybe the Tyron Woodley of old is back.”
Whatever happens, Usman says he’ll be eager to watch the fight unfold later this month.
“I’m intrigued by this matchup. I can’t wait to see it happen. Two guys that I’m familiar with and I’ll be watching closely.”
