Usman decking Covington (photo via YouTube)

By FCF Staff

Colby Covington has repeatedly lambasted Marc Goddard for stopping his bout with Kamar Usman. But, the renowned referee is standing by his decision.

Goddard stopped Covington’s thrilling, December 14th bout with Usman, after “Chaos” was knocked down for a second time and taking follow-up shots. The controversial fighter has argued, however, that the stoppage was premature. Covington has also accused Goddard of giving Usman breaks for strikes that were not fouls.

Recently Goddard spoke with Dan Hardy, and while reflecting on his call at UFC 245, he said this (quotes via MMA Junkie):

“(It was a) difficult fight. I know I handled it on the money, to a T,” Goddard said. “I’m seeing things unfold, and I see Colby put down twice in rapid order – plus 24 minutes of back-and-forth before that. So there’s a lot of damage sustained. Then I see him go down, and obviously he stays in that turtle position started on the double, then pulling his hands back. This is where everything will narrow in for me. I’m now firmly put in the spotlight. I have a decision to make and I’m trying to assess this. I have to assess this, real time, with everything I saw, etc.”

“I’m looking at Colby, and then I see the damage he’s sustained, the two knockdowns, etc.,” Goddard said. “When you are face down, when I can’t see you, I can’t read you. It’s difficult for me to … that exasperates everything further. So I’m now trying to compute in my mind: ‘Are you there, (or) are you not?’

“Could I have let that fight go on? Yeah. Could have I stood back and let it go on? Yeah. Should I have let it? And that’s the narrative here. Should I have? And that’s the point I make when I’m assessing what happened, assessing the position he’s in: two knockdowns, (and) he’s being punched.”

Covington has been campaigning for a rematch with Usman, however, the welterweight champ is expected to face Jorge Masvidal next.