Covington vows to teach Tsarukyan a lesson for disrespecting American wrestling

Colby Covington has set his sights on lightweight contender Arman Tsarukyan, publicly calling out the Russian fighter and declaring he intends to teach him a lesson after an incident involving wrestling legend Urijah Faber.

Covington, 38, voiced sharp criticism of Tsarukyan over what he described as unprofessional conduct on the wrestling mat, specifically referencing Tsarukyan throwing Faber off the mat and engaging in altercations there. Covington made clear that what he views as disrespect toward Americans will not go unanswered.

Covington carries a 17-5 record and has built his career around relentless wrestling pressure, averaging 3.64 takedowns per 15 minutes alongside a pace of 3.81 significant strikes landed per minute. The American Orthodox fighter stands five-foot-eleven with a 72-inch reach and trains out of MMA Masters.

The target of his anger, Tsarukyan, is currently the number one ranked lightweight contender with a record of 23-3. The 29-year-old from Russia trains at American Top Team and presents a formidable wrestling-based threat of his own, averaging 3.26 takedowns per 15 minutes while posting a striking accuracy of 50 percent and 3.85 significant strikes per minute. He shares the same 72-inch reach as Covington.

The Faber connection adds a personal dimension to Covington's callout. Faber, 47, is a decorated veteran who holds a 35-11 record and remains a respected figure in American combat sports circles through his Team Alpha Male program.

Why it matters

• Tsarukyan is the top-ranked lightweight contender, so any matchup carries significant title implications at 155 pounds
• Both fighters are high-volume wrestlers, setting up a potential grappling-heavy style clash
• Covington's public callout elevates the profile of a division already building toward its next championship picture