Colby Covington has retired from UFC competition, with the promotion quietly changing his status from “active” to “retired” on its official website Monday. The update was first flagged by the algorithm-based X account UFC Roster Tracker.
Covington, 38, went 12-5 across 17 UFC fights and held the interim welterweight championship, but never captured the undisputed title. He went 0-3 in championship bouts, falling to Kamaru Usman twice and Leon Edwards once. Notable wins during his career included victories over Rafael dos Anjos, Robbie Lawler, Tyron Woodley, and Jorge Masvidal.
Covington had been largely inactive in recent years, competing just once since December 2023. He has since transitioned to professional wrestling for RAF and is currently scheduled to face Chris Weidman on May 30 at RAF 9 in Arlington, Texas.
A polarizing figure known for his outspoken political alignment with President Donald Trump, Covington had voiced frustration with fight offers in recent months and publicly expressed disappointment at being left off the UFC Freedom 250 card on June 14 at the White House.
Covington has not commented publicly on his retirement.