Covington: Management got me UFC 245 title fight playing 'hardball'

Colby Covington is set to face welterweight champion Kamaru Usman at UFC 245 in December thanks in part to Ballengee Group handling negotiations with the UFC.

"I brought in Ballengee (because) I needed someone that’s going to play a little hardball with the UFC," Covington told theScore. "I don’t want to ruin (my manager) Dan Lambert’s relationship with the UFC because I know what my business is going to be about. I’m not just going to take that pity f----- basic challenger-type offer ... (Ballengee) got me some huge sponsors, I’ve already put in multi six-figure sponsors in (my) paycheque. They’re going to get me the most when it comes to the negotiation table after I destroy Marty 'fake newsman.'"

Negotiations looked grim earlier this month when Covington (15-1) was unable to come to terms with the UFC after being given a take it or leave it offer from the promotion to fight Usman (15-1) at UFC 244 in New York on Nov 2.

Now with the 170-pound title fight officially scheduled, Covington predicts he'll be the first fighter to knock out Usman when they clash in Las Vegas.

"I see a third-round knockout finish. He’s not going to last in the late rounds and he’s going to find out really quick that he’s not as good as he thinks he is ... He sucks at fighting, he’s had an easy road to get there ... He came in and beat all my sloppy seconds and now he thinks he’s God. Now he’s running into God, and he’s going to find out on Dec. 14, he will be finished inside three rounds. Mark my words you heard it here first (with) James Lynch, take it to the bank."

UFC 245 takes place on Dec. 14 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Usman will defend his title against Covington in the main event. Watch the full interview with Covington below and subscribe to theScoreMMA Youtube channel here.