Controversial welterweight Colby Covington retires from UFC

Former UFC welterweight title challenger Colby Covington has informed the promotion of his MMA retirement, noted after the UFC listed him as 'retired' on its official website. Reports on the Colby Covington retirement come as the UFC welterweight maintains an active schedule with Real American Freestyle in 2026. He owns wins over Luke Rockhold and Dillon Danis this year and is slated to wrestle Chris Weidman at RAF 9 on May 30. Covington won 10 of his first 11 UFC bouts, captured the interim belt, and received three shots at the undisputed title, losing to Kamaru Usman twice and to Leon Edwards in December 2023. He finished his UFC tenure at 12-5, with four losses in his final six fights.