Colby Covington has been removed from the official UFC rankings due to lack of fighting activity. His last fight was against Joaquin Buckley in 2024, which he lost via stoppage. Since then, Covington has not competed in the octagon. He is currently involved in a lawsuit with Jorge Masvidal and has made an appearance at RAF (Russian promotion). The UFC typically removes fighters from rankings after extended periods of inactivity. Covington's absence from active competition and the rankings marks a significant shift in his status within the welterweight division.
Colby Covington has been removed from the UFC's official welterweight rankings, the promotion confirmed, with extended inactivity the cited reason for his departure from the divisional standings.
Covington, 38, carries a professional record of 17-5 and built his reputation as one of the welterweight division's most relentless pressers, averaging 3.81 significant strikes landed per minute alongside an exceptional 3.64 takedown attempts per 15 minutes. The American, who trains out of MMA Masters, last stepped into the octagon in 2024 against Joaquin Buckley, suffering a stoppage loss that ended his run in the rankings picture. Since that defeat he has not competed in the UFC, and a legal dispute with former training partner Jorge Masvidal has further complicated his situation. Covington has also made an appearance at RAF, a Russian promotional outfit, during his time away from the UFC roster.
Buckley, the man who handed Covington his most recent loss, sits at number 11 in the welterweight division with a record of 21-8. The 32-year-old southpaw out of Murcielago MMA stands five-foot-ten with a 76-inch reach and averages 3.88 significant strikes per minute, demonstrating the finishing ability that brought his bout with Covington to a premature close.
Masvidal, 41, holds a record of 35-17 and continues his connection to the Covington story through ongoing litigation between the two former teammates. The American Top Team product carries a 74-inch reach and averages 4.05 significant strikes per minute across his career.
Why it matters
- Covington's removal opens a ranking slot and reshapes the welterweight top-15 landscape
- His absence leaves a significant gap in the division given his history as a former interim champion and title contender
- The ongoing lawsuit with Masvidal adds an off-cage dimension that may influence any potential UFC return timeline
