Colby Covington has been removed from the UFC rankings because of his lack of fights, with his last bout occurring against Joaquin Buckley in 2024, which he lost by stoppage. The former welterweight title challenger has been inactive in UFC competition while pursuing legal action against Jorge Masvidal and making appearances in the RAF promotion. The UFC routinely removes fighters from rankings after extended periods without competing to keep the divisional standings current. Covington's removal marks a significant shift for the previously high-ranked welterweight contender. No return bout for Covington has been announced.
Colby Covington has been dropped from the UFC welterweight rankings, the promotion removing the former title contender from the divisional standings due to an extended period of inactivity.
Covington, 38, carries a professional record of 17-5 and built his reputation as one of the welterweight division's most durable and prolific wrestlers, averaging 3.64 takedowns per 15 minutes across his career. The orthodox fighter out of MMA Masters stands five-foot-eleven with a 72-inch reach. His last octagon appearance came in 2024, when he was stopped by Joaquin Buckley — a loss that proved to be his most recent competitive outing. Since then, Covington has been occupied with legal proceedings against Jorge Masvidal and has made appearances for the RAF promotion, keeping him away from UFC competition.
Buckley, now ranked eleventh at welterweight, is 32 years old and holds a record of 21-8. The southpaw from the United States trains out of Murcielago MMA and has established himself as a dangerous striker, landing 3.88 significant strikes per minute at 36 percent accuracy, while also contributing on the ground with 1.54 takedowns per 15 minutes. His stoppage of Covington stands as one of the more notable results of his career.
Why it matters
- The UFC routinely clears inactive fighters from rankings to reflect the current competitive landscape of each division, and Covington's removal is consistent with that policy.
- His exit opens space for active welterweights to move up the ladder, tightening a division already crowded with contenders.
- No return fight for Covington has been announced, leaving his status in the division uncertain.
