Colby Covington has been removed from the UFC rankings following an extended period of inactivity. Covington's last fight was against Buckley in 2024, which he lost via stoppage. Since that defeat, Covington has not competed inside the UFC octagon. He has been involved in a lawsuit with Jorge Masvidal and has participated in events for RAF. The UFC typically removes fighters from rankings after prolonged absences from competition.
Colby Covington has been removed from the UFC welterweight rankings after a prolonged absence from competition, the promotion confirmed as of April 21, 2026.
Covington, 38, enters this period of inactivity carrying a professional record of 17-5. The American wrestler out of MMA Masters last stepped into the octagon in 2024, suffering a stoppage loss to Buckley — a defeat that marked the end of his most recent run of activity in the division. Known throughout his career for relentless pressure and a high volume of grappling, Covington averaged 3.64 takedowns per 15 minutes and 3.81 significant strikes landed per minute over the course of his UFC tenure. Standing five-foot-eleven with a 72-inch reach, the Orthodox fighter built his reputation as one of welterweight's most durable and grinding competitors.
Since the Buckley loss, Covington has not returned to the UFC cage. He has been involved in legal proceedings stemming from a lawsuit with former teammate Jorge Masvidal and has made appearances for RAF, keeping him occupied outside of sanctioned UFC competition.
The UFC's standard practice is to remove fighters from the official rankings when they have been inactive for an extended stretch, and Covington's removal follows that protocol.
Why it matters
- Covington was once a top welterweight contender, and his exit from the rankings reshapes the division's upper tier
- His absence creates additional movement for active 170-pound fighters looking to climb toward title contention
- It remains unclear whether Covington intends to negotiate a return bout with the UFC or continue competing elsewhere
- The removal does not necessarily signal the end of his UFC career, but it marks a significant drop in his official standing
