Covington: Kamaru Snoozeman is copying me, won’t get next title shot

When Kamaru Usman dismantled Rafael dos Anjos at The Ultimate Fighter (TUF) 28 Finale last Friday night in Las Vegas, promotion president Dana White was so impressed with “The Nigerian Nightmare,” he considered granting him a Tyron Woodley title shot.

What a difference another 30 percent makes.

But those post-fight comments did little to rattle former interim welterweight champion Colby Covington, who insists “The Chosen One” will be his next opponent in early 2019, once contracts are finalized for their long-awaited grudge match.

Something that won’t be stolen by a copy cat like “Snoozeman.”

“Snooze-man, his last two fights, he hasn’t beaten anybody coming off wins,” Covington told MMA Junkie Radio. “Don’t you think he should have to earn a fight against someone coming off a win? He just fought two guys that I’d already took their souls. So, Usman needs to go out there and prove himself and beat someone coming off a win. And then we can talk, you know? Besides that, the guy’s just copying everything I do. He literally wants to be me. He’s begging to be me.”

I guess that means he’ll be snitching on heavyweights?

Covington and Usman, each 14-1 in the pros, have something else in common. Both are coming off dominant, unanimous decision wins over Dos Anjos and former title contender Demian Maia. The only difference, is “Chaos” got to them first.

In addition, Covington and Usman are only separated by one spot in the official rankings (see them here). With no one between them and Woodley, it would make sense to have them face off for a crack at the crown and let’s face it, the champ has no problem with extended layoffs.

So as a fan, which welterweight scenario is most appealing?