Colby Covington Opens Up on UFC Inactivity, White House Snub, and Desire for Big Fights

UFC welterweight Colby Covington recently opened up about his inactivity in the promotion and his desire to face notable opponents. 

Covington expressed his desire to remain active in both MMA and in wrestling for Real American Freestyle (RAF). 

A former interim UFC welterweight champion and a notable name in the division, he has not fought since UFC Tampa in 2024, where he suffered a TKO loss via doctor’s stoppage to Joaquin Buckley. 

In an exclusive conversation, in collaboration with The Game Plan, Covington discussed being passed over for UFC Freedom 250 at the White House. He is among several high-profile fighters who have voiced frustration with the promotion, and he also shared the types of matchups he is interested in upon returning to the Octagon. 

‘Chaos’ also provided insight into his polarizing persona and explained why he and others may feel the need to heighten tension ahead of a big fight. 

During the UFC 326 broadcast, the promotion unveiled its full fight card for their upcoming White House event. Notably absent was Covington, who has been closely associated with the current administration for years.

In fact, ‘Chaos’ was the first active fighter to visit a sitting U.S. President at the White House as interim welterweight champion. White he admitted his exclusion was disappointing, Covington made it clear he was not seeking sympathy.

“Of course I’m a little upset that I didn’t get everything that I wanted. I wanted to be on the White House card and that was my dream,” Covington told SportsBoom.com. 

“[The UFC] didn’t give me the opportunity and I thought they were going to give me that. They were kind of stringing me along.” 

“I’m taking back anything that I said, I’m not apologizing for anything because I said facts and truth.” 

“I’ve been critical of them, but I’m very thankful for what I have in my life. I have a great life, I have complete financial freedom. That’s all thanks to the UFC,” he added.

CHASING THE BIGGEST FIGHTS POSSIBLE

Covington made it clear that he is only interested in facing the biggest names rather than taking on an up-and-coming talent looking to build a reputation at his expense. 

Now 38, ‘Chaos’ has reached a point in his career where he wants to put on entertaining spectacles for fans instead of prioritizing a steady climb up the UFC welterweight rankings.

“I just want big fights. I’ve expressed that to the UFC. I’m not looking to fight some up-and-coming kid. I’m not looking to fight someone that doesn’t do anything for my legacy.”

Covington hopes to return to the Octagon this year and could do so as early as July during the UFC’s annual International Fight Week.

“Maybe if Conor [McGregor] is on that International Fight Week card, maybe I’ll come back and co-headline with him. But, I’m just going to keep training and stay ready,” Covington said. 

“I’m going to keep using these wrestling matches in RAF to keep leveling up my skills and stay in good competitive shape,” he added.

BRINGING CHAOS TO FIGHT WEEK

In addition, Covington opened up about his brash persona. His pre-fight press conferences have sparked criticism within the MMA community and drawn comparisons to professional wrestling heels.

For ‘Chaos,’ these antics were no accident. He said they were encouraged by the UFC and played a significant role in increasing his earnings.

While his persona may be polarizing, Covington has no regrets.

“If you don’t go out there and create some interest, some hate, and headlines, you’re going to get looked over, and you’re never going to get a renegotiation on your contract,” Covington said. 

“I did what I had to do for myself and for my family,” he concluded.