UFC 268 LIVE: Kamaru Usman vs Colby Covington result plus Rose Namajunas and Justin Gaethje reaction tonight
Follow all the fallout from Madison Square Garden
Kamaru Usman and Colby Covington again contested a classic for the UFC welterweight title on Saturday night, with Usman outpointing his rival to retain the belt against him for a second time.
Two years after Usman stopped Covington in the fifth round of one of the most competitive title fights in UFC history, the Nigerian-American again put the gold on the line against the Floridian this weekend. And in the main event of UFC 268, in a sold-out Madison Square Garden in New York City, Usman again overcome Covington in a thrilling encounter. The fight went to the judges’ scorecards and, although a draw was conceivable – even a narrow Covington victory – Usman was declared the winner via unanimous decision (48-47, 48-47, 49-46).
In the evening’s co-main event, strawweight Rose Namajunas also retained her title on points, beating Weili Zhang 48-47, 47-48, 49-46 for a split-decision victory. Earlier this year, Namajunas became a two-time strawweight champion by stopping Zhang via first-round head kick, but the Chinese star gave a much better account of herself in New York City, arguably unfortunate not to get the nod on the judges’ scorecards.
Earlier in the night, Justin Gaethje outpointed Michael Chandler, with the main-card opener somehow over-delivering. Gaethje’s meeting with fellow lightweight contender Chandler was expected by many fans to play out as fight of the night, yet somehow the contest was even more competitive and brutal than anticipated. A fine start by Chandler gave way to a second round in which the former Bellator champion was dropped by Gaethje, though Chandler would survive and go on to hurt his fellow American numerous times in a valiant losing effort.
Re-live updates from the UFC 268 prelims and main card, below.
UFC 268 – Full report
Kamaru Usman overcomes Colby Covington again in classic for welterweight title
Usman retained his title against Covington for the second time, in another thrilling bout between the two rivals
UFC 268 – Usman def. Covington
Covington: “I had my moments, I wobbled him a couple of times, I just couldn’t capitalise. It was his night, he had a better night. Thank you to the first responders, military. Love me or hate me, I’m just getting started. I’ll be back in the gym on Monday. I don’t give a s*** if you hate me, I still love you.”
UFC 268 – Usman def. Covington
Kamaru Usman def. Colby Covington via unanimous decision (48-47, 48-47, 49-46).
AND STILL!
UFC 268 – Usman vs Covington
Indy Sport has Covington winning the final three rounds, but losing the first and suffering a 10-8 in Round 2.
That would make this fight a draw...
UFC 268 – Usman vs Covington
Round 5
The action resumes with 30 seconds left on the clock. Body kicks by Covington.
He blocks a high kick from Usman.
They make it to the buzzer, and Covington appears to tell Usman that it’s all about “the money”.
“Nothing but love.”
UFC 268 – Usman vs Covington
Round 5
Usman slips while retreating as Covington throws a head kick.
Covington chases the champion and grabs him against the fence.
“Colby” chants in MSG...
Nice elbow off the break for Covington. One minute left in this fight.
The action is paused for an eye poke on Covington.
UFC 268 – Usman vs Covington
Round 5
Usman punches to the body twice. Nice one-two from Covington, but Usman fires back!
Great combination from Covington with his back to the fence! And again, and he hurts Usman!!!
Covington, perhaps unwisely, shoots for a takedown, and Usman stuffs it and lies on top of his challenger.
UFC 268 – Usman vs Covington
Round 4
Usman with a couple of good body shots. More strikes landing up top for Covington. This is getting fun.
Strong left hook by Usman – it’s a long one.
Nice body kicks from Covington, and he hurts Usman with a left hand! And again!
Usman puts his head down and starts winging punches!
Covington grabs the champion against the fence and lands a couple of nice elbows! He finishes the frame with a fine punch, too!
A great round for Covington. As Indy Sport sees it, Covington has won the last two rounds, but Usman won the first two – and the second with a 10-8.
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