Colby Covington notified the UFC of his retirement. The former interim welterweight champion now appears as “retired” on the organization’s official website. The 38-year-old American has not competed since December 2024.
The roster change took place on Monday. Ultimate confirmed the fighter’s decision to specialized vehicles. Covington has not yet publicly commented on the end of his MMA career.
Notificação changes official UFC page
https://twitter.com/espnmma/status/2056528108736401576?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
The UFC website updated Covington’s profile in the last few hours. The status section now indicates retirement. The same happened with other names in the cast. Fontes close to the organization claim that the fighter sent formal communication.
Covington has accumulated 17 wins and five losses in his professional career. In the UFC, there were 12 triumphs and five setbacks. Sua last appeared in December 2024, with a technical knockout loss to Joaquin Buckley. Antes additionally, Leon Edwards beat him via unanimous decision in 2023.
- Cartel overall: 17 wins and 5 losses
- Vitórias in UFC: 12
- Última win: unanimous decision against Jorge Masvidal in March 2022
- Principais titles: 2018 interim welterweight champion
Trajetória marked by rivalries and provocation
The American built much of his career on solid wrestling. Ele represented Oregon State in college wrestling. In the UFC, he debuted in 2014 and put together a streak of seven victories between 2016 and 2019.
Entre highlights triumphs over Rafael of Anjos and Robbie Lawler. The victory against Anjos earned the interim belt. Covington competed for the linear title three times, all with defeat. Kamaru Usman knocked him out in 2019. Depois, lost on points to Usman again and to Edwards.
Suas teasing generated extra attention. Ele exchanged barbs with Brazilians, including Demian Maia. Também had public friction with Jorge Masvidal, a former friend and training partner. The rivalry culminated in Covington winning by decision in 2022.
Sheetara and Riddell also leave the roster
In the same update, the UFC removed Brazilian Mayra Bueno Silva, Sheetara. The Uberlândia miner has 10 wins, seven losses, one draw and one No Contest. Ela had gone six fights without a win. Sua last fight ended in a unanimous decision loss to Michelle Montague in April.
Sheetara challenged for the bantamweight belt against Raquel Pennington in January 2024. The Brazilian lost on points. The UFC also released the Australian Brad Riddell. The City Kickboxing fighter had 10 wins and four losses on his record. Ele has lost his last three fights, including a setback to Renato Moicano in 2022.
Momentos peak and decline at welterweight
Covington was at its peak between 2018 and 2019. Ele dominated with constant pressure and offensive wrestling. The style resulted in tough, paying fights. Após the knockout for Usman, the American remained competitive, but faced younger opponents.
The loss to Buckley via TKO in the third round marked the end of his appearances. Buckley dominated the ground strikes and forced a medical stoppage. Desde then, Covington dedicated himself to professional wrestling in Real American Freestyle. Ele beat Luke Rockhold and Dillon Danis. Tem appointment scheduled against Chris Weidman on May 30th.
What remains of Covington’s legacy in the UFC
The fighter helped raise the level of the welterweight division. Suas fights against Usman and Edwards entered the recent history of the category. Fora from the Octagon, he participated in political events and used his visibility for personal causes.
The UFC did not detail whether there is a possibility of a farewell fight. Covington has not given recent interviews on the topic. The organization tends to keep retired fighters on legends contracts in some cases. For now, the focus is on updating the roster.
Outros removed names include prospect Nathan Fletcher. Cleaning occurs during periods of adjustment in the cast. The UFC is preparing cards for the second half of 2026 with new promises in the 77 kg division.