Three-time UFC title challenger, Colby Covington — who is still ranked No. 6 in the world at 170-pounds, by the way — hasn’t fought much lately. His last appearance was just about a year ago, a lackluster showing against Leon Edwards in December 2023. More to the point, his only victory since 2021 came opposite fading rival Jorge Masvidal, which puts some pressure on Covington to return to action.
A LOT of fighters have called out Covington in the last year. Most notably, UFC has reportedly tried to book “Chaos” opposite Ian Garry on more than one occasion, including the upcoming UFC Tampa card. Instead, “The Future” will face Joaquin Buckley in the main event, whereas Covington continues to languish on the sidelines without a fight booked.
In the interview above with Submission Radio, Covington addresses his absence and explained why he’s been busy away with the cage. According to Covington — who also says he was with Donald Trump on the night of the election — his priority hasn’t been fighting. Instead, it’s been supporting the Trump campaign.
“The most important reason why, everything I do is for God and country. That’s more important than my own selfish agenda to go win UFC fights and be a world champion in the UFC. That doesn’t matter if we don’t have a country to live in. So, the most important thing that’s been in my life the last eight, nine months is the campaign trail, being a little tiny part of the Trump campaign. Trying to help get him elected any way possible. I was traveling with the campaign a lot. I was obviously still getting healthy from my broken foot, but first and foremost is God and country.”
Since Trump won the election (with a little help from Joe Rogan and the Nelk Boys), Covington is now free to resume his career as a UFC fighter. According to “Chaos,” he’ll be back sooner than later.
“… Now I can resume business. I’m excited man, me and [UFC Chief Business Officer Hunter Campbell] have sat down and talked about a couple different options. I’m excited to get back in there, first quarter next year, 100% I’m coming back to the UFC Octagon to unleash chaos.”
It’s a lot of devotion to the Commander-in-chief, but sadly, it’s still not enough to be Trump’s favorite UFC fighter.
No one cares anymore. Retire.
Colby is cooked.
“I offered, I told the UFC that I was willing to step up to the plate,” Colby Covington said to Submission Radio. “I would love to save the show and put on a good show for the fans. They pay their hard-earned money for big mega fights, they need a mega fight, that’s not a mega fight. They need someone who is going to put asses in seats and entertain people. So, I was excited. I wanted the fight and I asked for it but I think they have other plans.”
Whether or not the UFC did have interest in Rakhmonov vs Covington is uncertain. But, the fight won’t be happening at UFC 310.
I hope he sticks around so Shavkat and Neal can use him as a step up
A lot of dudes seem to be going this way in the UFC. Get a modicum of fame and hype only to never compete in any serious way again.
170 is stacked with them. Colby, Jorge, Conor, Diaz, etc.
Nick Diaz fighting on the next card is something I don’t want to watch, and I never thought I’d say that about him a decade ago.
Wish Dana would just cut him. His whole schtick is fake and beyond cringe.
Not even trump is as happy he won as colby.
His trash talk is extra lame, since it’s all rehearsed and he still fucks it up.
Refreshed Colby back from a layoff is a problem for the division.
No one cares about Coby anymore. He’s a boring ass fighter and his shtick is gay. He lost to an Englishman.
Chael and Hendo never lost to a faggot.
he wants shavkat, madellena, and pimblett? none of them have wrestling. gay.
Covington is never a Mega Fight. Dudes a Dork.