Colby Covington removed from UFC rankings due to inactivity

Colby Covington has been dropped from the UFC welterweight rankings after an extended stretch away from competition, the organization confirmed as part of its standard protocol for inactive fighters.

Covington, 38, carries a professional record of 17-5 and had long been one of the most recognizable names in the 170-pound division. Fighting out of MMA Masters and standing five-foot-eleven with a 72-inch reach, the orthodox wrestler averaged 3.64 takedowns per 15 minutes across his career — one of the higher rates in the welterweight class. His last octagon appearance came in 2024, when he suffered a stoppage loss to Joaquin Buckley, a defeat that proved to be his final fight before the extended inactivity that ultimately cost him his ranking.

Buckley, nicknamed "New Mansa," holds a record of 21-8 and currently sits at number 11 in the welterweight division. The 32-year-old southpaw stands five-foot-ten with a 76-inch reach and lands 3.88 significant strikes per minute, making the finish of Covington a notable result on his résumé.

During his time away from the cage, Covington has been involved in a legal dispute with former training partner and fellow welterweight Jorge Masvidal, and has made appearances for the RAF promotion rather than competing in the UFC. Masvidal, 41 and fighting out of American Top Team, holds a record of 35-17 and lands 4.05 significant strikes per minute with 47 percent striking accuracy.

Why it matters

• Covington's removal opens a rankings slot and shifts the welterweight landscape heading toward future title contention bouts.
• His absence since the Buckley loss — combined with outside legal and promotional activity — signals an uncertain future inside the UFC octagon.
• The Masvidal lawsuit adds an off-the-mat dimension that continues to draw attention to both fighters without either of them competing.