After weeks of negotiations, Kamaru Usman vs. Colby Covington is finally on.
The UFC welterweight title fight is set for UFC 245 on Dec. 14 in Las Vegas, sources told ESPN on Friday.
This marks the end of a saga that dates to earlier this year. Since Usman won the title in March, the UFC has tried to make this fight. However, for various reasons, it never came together. Once Covington beat Robbie Lawler in August, it seemed like a lock for UFC 244 on Nov. 2 at Madison Square Garden, but after negotiations with both fighters repeatedly stalled, the UFC booked Jorge Masvidal vs. Nate Diaz as the main event for that card instead.
The promotion recently reached out to top contender Leon Edwards to be on standby in case it couldn't get a deal done with either Covington or Usman, but in the end it did. It's unclear what Edwards will do.
Usman (15-1) has won his past 14 fights, including 10 straight in the UFC. He hasn't fought since he won the belt by defeating Tyron Woodley via unanimous decision in March.
Covington (15-1), considered one of the most polarizing figures in the sport due to his unfiltered brand of trash talk, has won seven in a row.
UFC 245, which will take place at T-Mobile Arena, will feature three title fights. The other two are Max Holloway vs. Alexander Volkanovski for the UFC featherweight title and Amanda Nunes vs. Germaine de Randamie for the women's bantamweight title.
Sources: Usman-Covington bout set for UFC 245
