Colby Covington has been removed from the UFC rankings due to his extended absence from competition. His last fight was against Joaquin Buckley in 2024, which he lost by stoppage. Since then, Covington has not competed in the octagon. The post notes that while out of competition, Covington has been involved in a lawsuit with Jorge Masvidal and has been appearing in RAF (likely a regional promotion). The removal from rankings is standard UFC procedure for fighters with prolonged inactivity.
Colby Covington has been dropped from the UFC welterweight rankings after an extended stretch away from competition, the promotion confirming the removal as part of its standard policy on inactive fighters.
Covington, 38, carries a professional record of 17-5 and built his reputation as one of the division's elite grapplers, averaging 3.64 takedowns per 15 minutes across his career. The American, who trains out of MMA Masters, last appeared in the octagon in 2024, suffering a stoppage loss to Joaquin Buckley. That defeat has proven to be his final UFC appearance to date, and the prolonged absence has now cost him his ranked position.
Buckley, the man who handed Covington that loss, currently sits 11th in the welterweight division at 32 years old. The St. Louis-based southpaw holds a 21-8 record and fights out of Murcielago MMA. He owns a 76-inch reach and lands 3.88 significant strikes per minute, making him a persistent offensive threat on the feet.
Away from competition, Covington has been involved in a legal dispute with former training partner Jorge Masvidal and has been making appearances for a regional promotion. Masvidal, 41, holds a 35-17 record and remains affiliated with American Top Team.
Why it matters
- Covington's removal opens a rankings slot and reshuffles the welterweight top-15 picture.
- His absence and ongoing legal matters raise questions about whether he has a clear path back to UFC competition.
- Any return would likely require a ranked opponent, given his prior status near the top of the division.
