It would appear that Kamaru Usman vs Colby Covington is anything but a formality now. Usman was expected to defend his welterweight title against Covington at UFC 244, at Madison Square Garden on November 2nd. However, ESPN’s Ariel Helwani, has stated that ‘negotiations have hit a snag’.

The Kamaru Usman v Colby Covington 170 title fight is far from done, multiple sources say. 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.

— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) September 5, 2019

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. But right now, it’s not in good standing and other options are being explored. Developing.

— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) September 5, 2019

One option being explored is for Usman to defend his 170lbs title against Jorge Masvidal. Masvidal is of course coming off of back-to-back spectacular knockouts over Darren Till and Ben Askren.

As reported earlier, the Usman v Covington fight talks hit a snag. So the UFC turned their attention to Usman v Masvidal. But as you can see via @GamebredFighter’s most recent tweet, they are now having issues finalizing that one.

— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) September 5, 2019

This is Masvidal’s tweet, Helwani was referring to:

I’m partying too @USMAN84kg what’s the hold up? Sign the contract #supernecessary #theresurrection #strapcity https://t.co/SEUts3EheW

— Jorge Masvidal UFC (@GamebredFighter) September 5, 2019

With Covington expected to challenge Usman next, his best friend Masvidal, was expected to face Nate Diaz next, after the two agreed to fight, following Nate’s recent win over Anthony Pettis at UFC 241. Now it looks like everything is up in the air in the UFC welterweight division.

Usman hasn’t fought since beating Tyron Woodley for the title in March, at UFC 235. The champion has been out injured since then but is expected to be fit in time to compete on the New York card in November. As a result of Usman’s injury, Covington accepted a fight with Robbie Lawler last month at UFC Newark, where he earned a one sided unanimous decision win.

Woodley meanwhile, has told TMZ Sports that the UFC has offered him some fights in the last few days and that he will fight again this year. Adding that the fight he wants the most is a rematch with Usman. But if he can’t get that fight, he’ll take the next best option.

With Leon Edwards on an eight fight win streak and Nate Diaz in the mix after impressing against Pettis last month, who do you think should face who, at the top of the UFC welterweight division?

See also:

UFC 242 Pre-Fight Videos Page

Dana White: “B.J. Penn Won’t Fight Again”

Eddie Alvarez Has Nothing But Good Things To Say About Opponent ‘Dagi’

Demetrious Johnson: It’s All Fun Competing At Natural Weight