The UFC has removed Colby Covington from its official rankings due to his prolonged absence from competition. Covington last fought in 2024 when he lost via stoppage to Joaquin Buckley. Since then, he has been involved in a lawsuit with Jorge Masvidal and has competed in RAF (Russian promotion). The removal comes as the UFC enforces its policy on fighter activity requirements for ranking eligibility. Details on any potential return timeline were not provided in the announcement.
Colby Covington has been removed from the UFC's official welterweight rankings, with the promotion citing its standard inactivity policy as the reason for the decision.
Covington, 38, carried a 17-5 record into his most recent outing and had long been one of the division's most prominent figures. The American fighter out of MMA Masters posted a career average of 3.64 takedowns per 15 minutes, reflecting the relentless wrestling-based style that defined his runs through the welterweight ranks. His last appearance inside the octagon came in 2024, when he suffered a stoppage loss to Joaquin Buckley. Since that defeat, Covington has been absent from UFC competition, has become entangled in a lawsuit involving Jorge Masvidal, and has taken a fight in RAF, a Russian promotion.
Buckley, the man who handed Covington that most recent loss, currently sits at number 11 in the welterweight division at 32 years old. The southpaw out of Murcielago MMA holds a 21-8 record and lands 3.88 significant strikes per minute, with a reach of 76 inches.
Masvidal, 41, the other figure connected to Covington through the ongoing legal dispute, is a former BMF champion competing out of American Top Team. He carries a 35-17 record and averages 4.05 significant strikes per minute at 47 percent accuracy.
Why it matters
- Covington's removal opens a ranking slot and could elevate other contenders in a competitive welterweight division.
- The UFC's enforcement of its activity policy signals continued pressure on fighters to remain competitive within the promotion.
- Any potential return for Covington would likely require a high-profile booking to justify an immediate re-entry into the rankings picture.
- His legal situation with Masvidal adds an off-cage layer of uncertainty around his availability and focus.
