Colby Covington has retired from the UFC, the promotion confirmed, after being removed from the active roster.
The 38-year-old fighter's decision comes after a recent snub from the UFC Freedom 250 card.

What Led to Colby Covington's Retirement?

Covington wanted to fight on the Freedom 250 card, but the UFC had other plans, signaling a strained relationship between the fighter and promotion.
He hasn't won a fight in four years, with his last UFC win coming against Jorge Masvidal in March 2022.
The UFC removed Covington from its official welterweight rankings in April, a clear indication that his time in the promotion was coming to an end.

Colby Covington's UFC Record

Covington's overall MMA record stands at 17-5, with a 12-5 mark in the UFC.
His final Octagon appearance came against Joaquin Buckley in the December 14, 2024 main event at UFC Tampa, which ended in a third-round doctor-stoppage TKO.

What's Next for Colby Covington?

Covington has already won two pure wrestling matches at Real American Freestyle and has expressed interest in trying his hand at WWE.
He has a future booking against former UFC middleweight champion Chris Weidman on May 30, 2026 at RAF.
Covington also holds wins over Robbie Lawler, Tyron Woodley, and Demian Maia, with three total cracks at undisputed welterweight gold.
The 38-year-old fighter became the interim welterweight champion in 2018, defeating Rafael dos Anjos.
Covington's two-fight rivalry with Kamaru Usman produced one of the best fights of 2019 at UFC 245.
And now, Covington will look to make a name for himself outside of the UFC.
But his legacy in the promotion will be remembered for years to come.
So what's next for the former interim champion?
Only time will tell, but one thing is certain - Colby Covington is done with the UFC.
He will always be known for his outspoken personality and his ability to reinvent himself as a trash-talking and controversial figure.
Covington's persona landed him in a polarizing space that can be money for fighters who know how to navigate.
The UFC will surely miss him, but Covington is ready for his next chapter.