The epic rematch between Colby Covington and Kamaru Usman finished its course at UFC 268 and it appears that the foreboding welterweight saga has ended.
Inside one of the most prolific venues, two gold belts were at stake inside of New York’s Madison Square Garden. However, the action delivered prior to the marquee fights on the top of the card. Fans were highly anticipating the fight between Justin Gaethje and Michael Chandler because they both are berserkers when it comes to offense.
Action In The Big Apple
When the bell sounded, these two fought like rabid bulldogs at UFC 268. With sways in momentum throughout the bloody fight, many were impressed by the renewed durability that Chandler displayed after being TKO’d by champion Charles Oliveira. While the former Bellator champion would come up short once again against top-tier UFC competition back-to-back, the frenetic an absolute slugfest will undoubtedly go down as one of the best lightweight fights of all time. In fact, many fans, pundits, and media members believe that it may have already stolen the distinction for ‘Fight of the Year’.
Official decision: Justin Gaethje (23-3) defeats Michael Chandler (22-7) by Unanimous Decision #UFC #UFC268pic.twitter.com/zClELJWL3u
— All Access MMA (@AllAccessMMA247) November 7, 2021
In the co-main event, Rose Namajunas retained her 115-pound strap after a razor-close chess match with China’s Weili Zhang. Eerily similar to how she approached her rematch with former 115-pound great, Joanna Jędrzejczyk, “Thug Rose” found openings and utilized her grappling to mostly nullify the imposing Zhang. However, the two had plenty of back and forth exchanges, and both landed some clean shots. Despite each fighter going to the judge’s scorecard, the fight was an exciting chess match that already saw, renowned MMA coach Trevor Wittman go 2-0 with his fighters at UFC 268.
Official decision: Rose Namajuna (12-4) defeats Weili Zhang (21-3) via Split Decision #UFC #UFC268pic.twitter.com/vr4l2zTY9Y
— All Access MMA (@AllAccessMMA247) November 7, 2021
Usman was the final leg of Wittman’s three horses. The 170-pound titleholder Kamaru Usman was set to make good on another rematch with a foe he knows all too well. “Chaos”, after two years, was brimming with confidence and eager to exact revenge. The fight had plenty of back and forth and was competitive throughout the match. However, Usman certainly raised eyebrows after dropping Covington in the third round. It appeared the champion was very close to earning another TKO finish but “Chaos” showed his durability.
Official decision: Kamaru Usman (20-1) defeats Colby Covington (16-3) via Unanimous Decision #UFC #UFC268pic.twitter.com/POTZFXCRn2
— All Access MMA (@AllAccessMMA247) November 7, 2021
Despite the fight not ending in a finish, afterward, it appeared both welterweights had a newfound respect for each other. By a country mile — Colby Covington has been Kamaru Usman’s toughest test to date inside the Octagon. Not just once but twice now, so it’s safe to say a big fight for Covington is well within his grasp as we head into a new year.
Pros React To UFC 268
The time for talk is OVER, THE FIGHT STARTS NOW 👊
[ #UFC268 | We’re LIVE on ESPN+ PPV: https://t.co/xRVlqJBhNX ] pic.twitter.com/Dx8ycHyO3Q
— UFC (@ufc) November 7, 2021
Colby stole the third and took the fourth. 2-2 going into the 5th @ufc Great fight.
— Lando Vannata (@GroovyLando) November 7, 2021
Crazy to think that Colby isn’t the person we all think he is, he felt backed into a corner to make a change and save his career. He became the heel, and it takes away from the fact he’s the second best welterweight in the world. The guy can really fight. #UFC268
— Casey Oneill (@kingcaseymma) November 7, 2021
#AndStill! Great fight men! Much respect to both of you
— Aljamain Sterling (@funkmasterMMA) November 7, 2021
Colby got worse since leaving att and Usman got better since being with Trevor.
— Ibrahim Kawa (@Abraham_kawa) November 7, 2021
Top to bottom #UFC268 is one of thee best cards I’ve seen! 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾
— Brad Tavares (@BradTavares) November 7, 2021
2-2 👀👀
— Sean O'Malley (@SugaSeanMMA) November 7, 2021
The cage is so slippery #UFC268
— JIMI MANUWA (@POSTERBOYJM) November 7, 2021
Here come the grinders 🔥 #UFC268 @ufc
— Chris Leben (@ChrisLebenMMA) November 7, 2021
What was your favorite moment from UFC 268?
