The Big Night in Las Vegas
Over the weekend, just one week after UFC 312 wrapped up at Sydney’s Qudos Bank Arena, the UFC’s relentless live event schedule shifted back to the United States with UFC Fight Night: Cannonier v Rodrigues. This event marked the 109th time the UFC has hosted fights at the APEX venue in Las Vegas, with the series beginning in May 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The APEX has seen 102 fight nights and nine pay-per-view cards, making it a staple of the UFC’s operations. Despite the bustling schedule, it was the middleweight clash between Jared Cannonier and Gregory Rodrigues that drew the most attention. Cannonier, known for his powerful striking and relentless aggression, delivered a stunning fourth-round TKO, solidifying his status as a top contender in the division. The victory was particularly impressive given Rodrigues’s formidable corner, which included the likes of Gilbert Burns and Vicente Luque, both highly respected fighters in the UFC.
Jared Cannonier’s Triumph
The main event of UFC Fight Night: Cannonier v Rodrigues lived up to the hype, as Jared "Killa Gorilla" Cannonier dominated Gregory Rodrigues from start to finish. Rodrigues, a Brazilian standout, had an impressive support team, but it wasn’t enough to counter Cannonier’s explosive and well-rounded performance. The fourth-round TKO was a testament to Cannonier’s improved skills and mental fortitude, showcasing his ability to adapt and overcome in the heat of battle. This victory not only solidified Cannonier’s position in the middleweight rankings but also set him up as a potential contender for the title. The fight was a highlight for fans, who enjoyed the technical strikes and strategic movements that defined Cannonier’s performance. It was a night to remember for the American fighter, who has been steadily climbing the ranks with each successful outing.
Colby Covington’s New Chapter
While the action inside the Octagon was the primary focus, an unexpected and awkward moment between former welterweight rivals Colby Covington and Kamaru Usman also made waves. Both men were in Las Vegas for different reasons. Colby, now 36 years old, is working as part of Chael Sonnen’s coaching team for The Ultimate Fighter 33, a role that keeps him active in the MMA community despite his recent loss to Joaquim Buckley in December. The defeat was due to a cut above his eye, which resulted in a doctor stoppage, but it hasn’t deterred Covington from pursuing new opportunities. His Twitch channel, ‘colbychaostv’, has become a platform for him to stay connected with fans and maintain his presence in the MMA world. This event saw him live streaming from the backstage area, providing a unique and candid look into the behind-the-scenes dynamics of a UFC event.
The Awkward Encounter
The encounter between Colby Covington and Kamaru Usman unfolded in a typical fashion given their history. As Covington was live streaming, he noticed Usman nearby and greeted him in a friendly manner, offering a handshake and saying, “What’s up buddy, how are you doing man? Good to see you.” However, Usman, who was 37 at the time and holding a plate of food and a bottle of water, seemed less enthusiastic about stopping to chat. He was clearly en route to somewhere else, and the moment passed quickly. Covington, aware of his audience, immediately asked his videographer, “Did you get that?” and then clarified to his viewers, “Yes, that was Usman guys, he just said to me hey man we are going to talk in a little bit.” The awkward exchange was a blend of professionalism and lingering tension, a reflection of their complex relationship both inside and outside the Octagon.
A History of Rivalry
The Covington and Usman rivalry is one of the most intense in recent UFC history. They faced each other twice, with both bouts ending in Usman’s favor. The first encounter took place in December 2019, where Usman defended his welterweight title with a unanimous decision. The second fight, nearly two years later in November 2021, saw Usman again prevail by unanimous decision, solidifying his dominant reign. The rivalry was marked by a series of verbal spats andTrash Talk," with both fighters pushing each other to their limits. Despite the lopsided record, Covington has never shied away from the possibility of a trilogy match, even suggesting that “no hard feelings” and that he’s willing to “duke it out again, whatever the fans want.” This openness is a testament to his resilience and competitive spirit, showing that while he respects the past, he’s always looking forward.
Moving Forward
While a trilogy match seems unlikely given Usman’s two-nil record over Covington and his recent shift to the middleweight division, both fighters are making significant moves in their careers. Usman, who made five successful defenses of his welterweight championship between 2019 and 2021, hasn’t stepped into the Octagon in over a year. His last bout, a middleweight debut against Khamzat Chimaev in October 2023, was a tough loss, but it didn’t break his spirit. He continues to work as a post-show analyst for ESPN, contributing his expert insights and maintaining his influence in the MMA world. For Covington, coaching on The Ultimate Fighter and maintaining a strong online presence through his Twitch channel are key components of his new chapter. At 36, he’s still a formidable force in the welterweight division, and his future remains unpredictable and exciting, much like the chaos he embodies in and out of the Octagon.
