Colby Covington, who expressed frustration with his lack of activity in the octagon, has officially ended his tenure with the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). Reports from various media outlets confirm the separation, and Covington is now listed as retired in the promotion’s athlete database.
Covington’s last fight was in December 2024, where he suffered a TKO defeat in the third round against Joaquin Buckley due to a doctor’s stoppage. Earlier this year, the former interim welterweight champion was reportedly aiming for a spot on the June 14 White House card, but his name did not appear on the fight lineup.
Speculation also suggested a potential move to middleweight to face Bo Nickal. However, Nickal publicly accused Covington of declining the matchup. Covington, in turn, stated that UFC official Hunter Campbell had proposed a fight against the winner of the UFC Winnipeg main event between Mike Malott and Gilbert Burns. Despite Malott’s victory, no further discussions about a fight with Covington materialized.
The 38-year-old fighter concludes his UFC career with a professional record of 12 wins and 5 losses. Throughout his time in the organization, he secured notable victories over opponents such as Jorge Masvidal, Robbie Lawler, and Tyron Woodley.
Covington has been an outspoken critic of fighter pay within the UFC and has frequently voiced his dissatisfaction with prolonged periods of inactivity.
What’s Next for Colby Covington?
Beyond his UFC commitments, Covington has remained active in the realm of R.A.F. wrestling, securing wins against Luke Rockhold and Dillon Danis. He is scheduled to compete against Chris Weidman at R.A.F. 09 later this month.
With his departure from the UFC, it remains to be seen if Covington intends to continue competing elsewhere. Promotions like MVP, BKFC, or similar organizations might express interest in signing him, given his charisma, ability to generate fan attention as a polarizing figure, and potential championship aspirations.
Colby Covington Leaves the UFC
Colby Covington, who had expressed frustration with his lack of fighting opportunities, has now officially parted ways with the UFC. Multiple media outlets reported this development, and the fighter is now listed as retired in the promotion’s official database.
Covington’s last bout was in December 2024, resulting in a TKO loss in the third round against Joaquin Buckley due to a doctor’s stoppage. Earlier this year, the former interim UFC welterweight champion was reportedly eager to compete on the June 14 White House card, but he was not included in the official fight schedule.
There were also rumors of Covington considering a move up to middleweight to face Bo Nickal. However, Nickal claimed that Covington was unwilling to accept the fight. Covington, on the other hand, stated that UFC official Hunter Campbell had suggested he fight the winner of the bout between Mike Malott and Gilbert Burns at UFC Winnipeg. Despite Malott winning the fight, there has been no concrete update regarding a potential fight with Covington.
The 38-year-old fighter leaves the UFC with a record of 12 wins and 5 losses, holding victories over notable opponents like Jorge Masvidal, Robbie Lawler, and Tyron Woodley.
Covington has consistently been vocal about the issue of low fighter pay in the UFC and has often criticized the promotion for not adequately compensating its athletes. He has also frequently spoken about his extended periods of inactivity.
Colby Covington’s Future Prospects
Outside of the UFC, Colby Covington has maintained his competitive edge in R.A.F. wrestling, where he has defeated Luke Rockhold and Dillon Danis. He is scheduled to compete against Chris Weidman at R.A.F. 09 this month.
With Covington no longer affiliated with the UFC, it will be interesting to observe his future career path. Organizations such as MVP, BKFC, or others may be keen to sign a fighter known for his strong personality, his ability to capture audience attention by embracing a ‘heel’ persona, and his potential to contend for championships.
Colby Covington Announces Retirement from UFC
Colby Covington, citing inactivity as a primary concern, has officially concluded his career with the UFC. News outlets confirmed the departure, and the fighter’s status has been updated to “retired” in the UFC’s athlete records.
Covington’s most recent fight occurred in December 2024, where he was stopped by TKO in the third round against Joaquin Buckley due to medical advice. Earlier this year, the former interim welterweight kingpin reportedly sought a spot on the June 14 White House event, but his name was absent from the fight bookings.
Rumors also circulated about Covington potentially moving up to middleweight to challenge Bo Nickal. However, Nickal alleged that Covington declined the proposed bout. Covington subsequently stated that UFC official Hunter Campbell had offered him a fight against the winner of the Mike Malott vs. Gilbert Burns bout at UFC Winnipeg. Despite Malott’s victory, no further developments regarding a fight with Covington have been reported.
The 38-year-old fighter departs the UFC with a 12-5 professional record, including significant wins against Jorge Masvidal, Robbie Lawler, and Tyron Woodley.
Covington has been a vocal advocate for better fighter pay in the UFC and has frequently criticized the organization’s compensation practices. He has also often discussed his prolonged periods without competing.
What Lies Ahead for Colby Covington?
In addition to his MMA career, Colby Covington has been active in R.A.F. wrestling, achieving victories over Luke Rockhold and Dillon Danis. He is slated to face Chris Weidman at R.A.F. 09 later this month.
Following his exit from the UFC, it remains to be seen whether Covington will continue to compete. Promotions like MVP, BKFC, and others might be interested in signing a fighter known for his strong mic skills, his ability to draw attention by playing a polarizing character, and his potential to achieve championship success.