Whether Covington actually shows up for the fights themselves (he says he won’t), he appears set on making himself part of the narrative for UFC 235. The former interim title holder was stripped of his belt shortly after winning it with a victory over Rafael dos Anjos back in June of last year. His unwillingness - or inability, depending on who you believe - to make a quick turnaround against Tyron Woodley saw the UFC push him out of the immediate contender picture, into which Usman has quickly stepped.
It’s a move that Covington believes is down to politics.