Dana White reveals Covington next in line for title shot vs. Usman

Dana White came away impressed with Colby Covington's dominant victory over Robbie Lawler on Saturday.

The UFC president revealed Covington will receive the next shot at the welterweight title against champion Kamaru Usman.

"That's why I put Covington on ESPN against a guy like Lawler," White told reporters, according to Mike Bohn and John Morgan of MMA Junkie. "You can say whatever you want about Covington. You don't like him, you don't this, that, whatever. He put on a clinic against Lawler, who is a beast.

"Lawler's been in all the big fights, former world champion, hits like a truck, and Colby completely shut him down. His cardio was impressive, and the way that he beat Lawler was even more impressive."

Usman fractured his foot prior to defeating Tyron Woodley at UFC 235 but said he should be ready to fight by November. Covington, meanwhile, is riding a seven-fight winning streak and hasn't lost since December 2015.

White's welterweight title plans leave Jorge Masvidal, another top welterweight contender, on the outside looking in. Masvidal knocked out Ben Askren with a flying knee in a record five seconds at UFC 239 and had his sights set on Usman or former double champion Conor McGregor.

"You can't make ultimatums," White said of Masvidal. "We're going to offer him a fight. If he accepts the fight, he does. If he doesn't, he doesn't."

UFC is reportedly targeting the Usman-Covington championship fight for its UFC 244 card on Nov. 2, which takes place at Madison Square Garden.