Understanding the Narrative: Kamar Usman Vs Colby Covington

Few fights come around that really embody the socio-political atmosphere of the time. Joe Louis vs Max Schmeling and Larry Holmes vs James Cooney come to mind. The fights carried the geopolitical and racial tensions of the nation respectively. Another example is when Jack Johnson won his Heavyweight title in Australia. That night he fought for more than just his pride. In the eyes of African-Americans at the time he was fighting for their validation. The upcoming title fight between Kamal Usman and Colby Covington seems to fall in the same category as those classic heavyweight scraps. The difference being that the boxers who fought in those matches did not put themselves in the positions they found themselves in. The "Black vs White" or "America vs Nazi Germany" narrative were thrusted upon them. In the case of Usman vs Covington however, the two fighters are more than happy to proclaim themselves as champions of their sects. Knights going into battle for the honor and pride of their respective houses. Usman, representing the immigrant struggle and Covington the MAGA American resentful resentful of losing his country.

This is not a commentary on the validity of Convington's character, nor is it a criticism of conservatism in America. Instead, I hope to bring a historical context to a fight that represents much more than just two men looking for fight immortality. The UFC will sell the fight, Dana will promote it, and the fans will tune in. But the fight will also be a reflection of today's socio-political environment; much like the boxing matches mentioned above. At no point will the UFC forthright state, "this represents a fight between immigrant Americans and white nativists!", but it will be an underlying narrative that has come around before. By no means does that mean that Covington himself is a white nativist, but it does mean that white nativists will be cheering for Covington. And fuck it, they should. 

Race and ethnicity have always been part of the appeal of combat sports. It is of no surprise that my favorite boxers were Mexicans, and white folk have every right to support their guy. Just like black America put so much of its identity and pride in the bravado of Jack Johnson, the bravery of Muhammad Ali, and the perfection of Floyd Mayweather- so should angry white dudes back Colby.

The beauty of MMA lies in the multifaceted perspectives in which fans can appreciate a fighter. I often find myself cheering against Mexican or American fighters when they face Jiu Jitsu practitioners. I can cheer for Usman as an immigrant, I can cheer for Ronda as an outsider, I can cheer for BJ Penn as a Jiu Jitsu fighter, and Matt Hughes as a wrestler. Personality goes a long way as well. I love Clay Guida for being a Lebowski fan, I love the Diaz brothers for being stoners, and I love Jon Fitch for his blue-collar work ethic. Though this also applied to the days of boxing, MMA gives fans a lot more reasons to support fighters.

However, in this specific fight the dominant narrative will be that of MAGA vs liberalism, and I think that's okay. No matter what side one chooses, it is undeniable that the narrative is intriguing. At a time when the nation is so divided among cultural and political lines, it will be refreshing to see those angst play out within the confines of the Octagon. Better there than on the streets of Charlottesville.