Kamaru Usman vs. Colby Covington at UFC 244 ‘far from done,’ UFC exploring other main event options

Fight fans hopeful to see Kamaru Usman and Colby Covington duke it out at UFC 244 may want to taper their expectations.

ESPN’s Ariel Helwani reports the fight may be in jeopardy and the UFC is now looking at either a different welterweight title fight or a different headliner all-together for UFC 244. “The Kamaru Usman vs. Colby Covington title fight is far from done,” Helwani tweeted on Thursday. “In fact, negotiations have hit a snag and UFC is now looking at other options, sources say. Those options include a different welterweight title fight and-or a different main event.”

UFC President Dana White named Covington next-in-line for the title shot following his dominant win over Robbie Lawler at UFC Newark. That no longer seems to be the case. “The making of this fight has taken many twists and turns over the past few days, so there’s no telling if they end up with it,” Helwani continued. “But right now, it’s not in good standing and other options are being explored. Developing.”

The UFC is reportedly trying to workout a fight between Usman and Masvidal. Unfortunately, both that fight and a proposed Masvidal vs. Nate Diaz fight have been difficult to orchestrate.

Usman has yet to defend his title after dethroning Tyron Woodley at UFC 235 in March. Only three other welterweights are likely title candidates: Masvidal, Diaz and to some degree Leon Edwards.