UFC fighters give predictions for Usman-Covington 2
In anticipation of Saturday's UFC 268 main event between welterweight champion Kamaru Usman and Colby Covington in New York, theScore asked UFC fighters for their predictions.
(Responses have been lightly edited for clarity.)
Stephen Thompson, welterweight: I have Usman winning. We've seen the progression he has made in his last three fights, especially in his striking. You haven't seen a whole lot of Colby Covington, since the last fight he's had was against Tyron Woodley (in September 2020). So I'm definitely going for Usman.
Gilbert Burns, welterweight: Tough one. Kamaru by split decision.
Cody Garbrandt, former bantamweight champion: Usman by TKO in Round 4.
Derek Brunson, middleweight: I think Usman comes out and looks dominant from the beginning and makes a statement.
Beneil Dariush, lightweight: Usman by third-round stoppage.
Kelvin Gastelum, middleweight: I think the fight will go one of two ways. One: It will be very similar to the first fight they had with Kamaru coming up on top. Or two: Kamaru knocks him out or submits him early in the fight.
Santiago Ponzinibbio, welterweight: I think Kamaru Usman is going to win. Their first fight was very close. Both are great fighters. But I think Covington is doing the same things. On the other side, I think Kamaru Usman is improving each fight. He has showed that each fight. He did amazing. He showed the power against Jorge Masvidal. In my opinion, Usman is going to win this fight.
Uriah Hall, middleweight: It's a tough one. I know both men are motivated. If it goes the distance, could be Colby.
Shane Burgos, featherweight: Have to go with the champ again in this one. I think it'll be competitive, but I have Usman winning a decision.
Alex Perez, flyweight: Colby by decision.
Ricky Glenn, lightweight: Colby by decision. I feel like their skills are close but Colby will have the better conditioning and probably made the needed adjustments after their last fight.
James Krause, welterweight: Usman by decision.
Zak Cummings, middleweight: I got Usman by TKO. He's had more fights since their first and has only built more and more confidence in his hands.
Walt Harris, heavyweight: Kamaru by knockout or TKO in Round 2.
Christos Giagos, lightweight: I think the main event will be (won by) Kamaru, even though I'm going for Colby.
Eryk Anders, middleweight: Usman by knockout again.
Sam Alvey, middleweight: Colby wins this fight by dominant decision. Usman is a great champ, but Colby has this one.
Tristan Connelly, featherweight: Usman by knockout, even faster than the first fight.
Marc-Andre Barriault, middleweight: Usman by decision.
Tanner Boser, heavyweight: Usman.
- Fighters picking Usman: 16
- Fighters picking Covington: 4