"He has a certain image outside the cage that needs to be maintained. But I know he respects me. He doesn't want to show it, but I know he does. And I have a lot of respect for him, too. I think he's a great competitor and he's very tough," the champion said.
Usman and Covington are set to meet in a rematch on November 7. The fight will take place in New York and will headline the 268th UFC tournament.