It was expected that current UFC welterweight champion Kamaru Usman would fight former interim champ Colby Covington in his first attempted title defense.

However, that is no longer the case as it was reported earlier this evening that Covington would be returning to the cage this August in Newark against former division title holder Robbie Lawler.

Shortly following the rather shocking fight announcement, Kamaru Usman issued a statement to ESPN’s Brett Okamoto on the booking.

Statement from UFC champ Kamaru Usman (@USMAN84kg), per his manager Ali Abdelaziz (@AliAbdelaziz00). “I should be ready to go by November. Whoever Dana White says is next. He’s the boss. If Askren looks good and that’s who the UFC wants, he’s next.”

— Brett Okamoto (@bokamotoESPN) June 25, 2019

Statement from UFC champ Kamaru Usman, per his manager Ali Abdelaziz. “I should be ready to go by November. Whoever Dana White says is next. He’s the boss. If Askren looks good and that’s who the UFC wants, he’s next.”

’The Nigerian Nightmare’ captured the UFC’s coveted welterweight title by defeating Tyron Woodley via unanimous decision in April.

Kamaru Usman will now sit and watch Colby Covington return to action for the first time since UFC 225 in June of 2018, where ‘Chaos’ defeated Rafael dos Anjos to capture the promotions interim welterweight title.

As for Robbie Lawler, ‘Ruthless’ is coming off a controversial loss to Ben Askren at UFC 235.

Kamaru Usman boasts a professional record of 15-1, which includes ten straight victories under the UFC banner. Usman holds notable wins over Demian Maia, Rafael dos Anjos and the aforementioned Tyron Woodley.

Who do you think current UFC welterweight kingpin Kamaru Usman will end up fighting next?    Sound off in the comments section Penn Nation!

This article first appeared on BJPENN.com June 25, 2019