UPDATED | Kamaru Usman claims Colby Covington fight is in the works, Covington stomps out rumors

Earlier this month, we learned that streaking welterweight contender Kamaru Usman had been paired with Norwegian knockout artist Emil Meek for a fight at UFC 219. Now, however, Usman is claiming this bout is in jeopardy, as Meek might not be able to make it to the event. Usman also claims the UFC has reached out to Colby Covington to replace Meek.

My opponent might not be able to make it Dec30th so @ColbyCovMMA let me hear your excuses now why you can’t make it either

— KAMARU USMAN (@USMAN84kg) October 29, 2017

“My opponent might not be able make it December 30th, so [Colby Covington] let me hear your excuses now why you can’t make it either,” Usman said on Twitter.

Bum ass @ColbyCovMMA says I him, the UFC just offered him the fight #Dec30th let’s see who’s the @danawhite @seanshelby @AliAbdelaziz00

— KAMARU USMAN (@USMAN84kg) October 29, 2017

“Bum ass [Colby Covington] says I [duck] him,” Usman added in a subsequent Tweet. “The UFC just offered him the fight [on] December 30th. Let’s see who the real [duck] is.”

These claims from Kamaru Usman, however, are in stark contradiction of the recent comments of Emil Meek, who claims he is still on the UFC 219 lineup.

I’ll be there for you, these five words I swear to you
When you breathe, I want to be the air for you
I’ll be there for you <3! https://t.co/JHt4YJKI1a

— Emil Valhalla Meek (@emilvalhalla) October 30, 2017

“I’ll be there for you,” Meek joked on Twitter.

“Of course [Kamaru Usman] wants [Colby Covington]” he added on Facebook. “It’s a much easier fight than me! Don’t worry, I’ll be there [at] UFC 219!”

Usman’s claims have also now been stomped out by Covington himself, who told BJPenn.com’s Tom Taylor “that’s a complete lie.”

Contrary to Usman’s Tweets this AM, @ColbyCovMMA has not been offered a fight w/ him at #UFC219. Usman vs. Meek is still on.

— Tom Taylor (@TomTayMMA) October 30, 2017

Would you rather see Kamaru Usman fight Colby Covington or Emil Meek at UFC 219 this December 30? Make your pick in the comments section!

This article first appeared on BJPenn.com on 10/30/2017.