Former UFC title challenger, Colby Covington has accused Nigerian mixed martial artist, Kamaru Usman of cheating during their previous encounters ahead of his return to the octagon this Saturday.
Covington, who faces Joaquin Buckley in the main event of UFC Tampa, made the allegations during a recent Twitch stream, while answering fan questions about his most disliked opponent.
He said: “Definitely ‘Marty Juiceman’ (Usman). Just because he’s a cheater and he’s a coward. He definitely cheated multiple times in our fights so I just can’t respect someone that cheats in a fight.
“I’ve never cheated. I’ve done everything the right way. I didn’t cut corners, didn’t ask for shortcuts, had to go the long way.”
The 36-year-old American fought Usman twice, losing both encounters. Usman, who is currently on a three-fight losing streak, has not responded to the allegations.
The 37-year-old Auchi-born fighter, recently declined an opportunity to face undefeated, Shavkat Rakhmonov at UFC 310 on December 7, stating the date was too early for his return despite seeing it as a very winnable fight.
Usman’s impressive career record stands at 20 wins and four losses, including 15 victories in the UFC octagon.
His recent setbacks include back-to-back losses to Leon Edwards – a knockout defeat that cost him his title at UFC 278 and a majority decision loss in their trilogy fight at UFC 286.