UFC free fight: Kamaru Usman stops Colby Covington in UFC 245 thriller

The build-up to the welterweight title fight between champion Kamaru Usman and former interim champion Colby Covington at UFC 245 was tetchy and fractious. But all of the bad blood before the fight translated into a bout to remember on fight night itself as the warring welterweights produced a thrilling main event at UFC 245 last December.

After the pair, unsurprisingly, declined the opportunity to touch gloves ahead of the bout, the action got underway, with both men steadfastly standing and trading heavy shots for the entirety of the fight as they abandoned their respective wrestling skillsets in favor of a knock-down, drag-out slugfest.

While Covington (15-2 MMA, 10-2 UFC) looked the faster and slightly sharper in the early exchanges, it was Usman (16-1 MMA, 11-0 UFC) whose more selective shots appeared to carry more power. Those shots started to add up on Covington, who told his corner at the end of the third round that he thought he had sustained a broken jaw.

Despite being in clear discomfort, Covington fought on admirably and connected with the champion on numerous occasions. But, once again, it was Usman’s power and durability that set the pair apart, with the defending champion loading up and landing some of his biggest shots in the final round as he eventually dropped the challenger.

Covington attempted to rally, but Usman wouldn’t let him off the hook and poured on the pressure. Finally, Covington looked to wrestle as he grabbed a single leg, but a barrage of hammer fists from the champion proved too much and referee Marc Goddard stepped in to end the punishment.

The stoppage was immediately protested by Covington, who has made no secret of his unhappiness at the stoppage in various interviews since that night. But the victory saw Usman claim bragging rights over his trash-talking rival as he completed the first defense of his 170-pound title and cemented his spot at the top of the UFC welterweight division.

Usman will put his title on the line again when he returns to action to take on Gilbert Burns at UFC 251 at Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, on July 11.

Before Usman returns, relive his epic victory over Covington via the video above.