Career Timeline of Colby Covington: Major Achievements and Milestones

From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Colby Covington made an impact.

Colby Covington is an American professional mixed martial artist currently competing in the UFC's Welterweight division. He is a former Interim UFC Welterweight Champion and is currently ranked #9 in the welterweight division as of December 17, 2024. Known for his wrestling-based fighting style and outspoken persona, Covington has been a prominent figure in the UFC, participating in high-profile fights and generating considerable attention both inside and outside the octagon.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

2006: State Championship Win

In 2006, Colby Covington, wrestling at Thurston High School, won the 171 lb state championship as a senior.

2007: National Junior College Wrestling Title

In 2007, Colby Covington won the 165 lb national junior college wrestling title as a freshman at Iowa Central Community College, achieving a 34-0 record.

2011: Recruitment to American Top Team

In 2011, Colby Covington was recruited by Dan Lambert to American Top Team to improve the gym's wrestling talent.

2013: FILA Grappling Gold Medal

In 2013, Colby Covington won a gold medal at the FILA Grappling no-gi world championships.

August 23, 2014: UFC Debut

On August 23, 2014, Colby Covington made his UFC debut against Anying Wang at UFC Fight Night 48, winning by TKO in the first round.

November 8, 2014: Victory over Wagner Silva

On November 8, 2014, Colby Covington fought Wagner Silva at UFC Fight Night 56, winning via submission in the third round.

2014: Signing with the UFC

In the summer of 2014, Colby Covington signed with the UFC after compiling a 5-0 record in his professional career.

May 23, 2015: Victory over Mike Pyle

On May 23, 2015, Colby Covington faced Mike Pyle at UFC 187, replacing an injured Sean Spencer, and won the fight via unanimous decision.

December 12, 2015: Loss to Warlley Alves

On December 12, 2015, Colby Covington faced Warlley Alves at UFC 194 and lost the fight via submission in the first round.

June 18, 2016: Victory over Jonathan Meunier

On June 18, 2016, Colby Covington fought Jonathan Meunier at UFC Fight Night 89, after Alex Garcia was pulled from the fight. Covington won via submission in the third round.

August 20, 2016: Victory over Max Griffin

On August 20, 2016, Colby Covington faced Max Griffin at UFC 202 and won the fight via TKO in the third round.

December 17, 2016: Victory over Bryan Barberena

On December 17, 2016, Colby Covington fought Bryan Barberena at UFC on Fox 22 and won the fight via unanimous decision.

June 17, 2017: Victory over Dong Hyun Kim

On June 17, 2017, Colby Covington faced Dong Hyun Kim at UFC Fight Night 111 and won the fight via unanimous decision.

August 2017: Impact Wrestling Appearances

Throughout August 2017, Colby Covington made appearances in Impact Wrestling (Global Force Wrestling) as part of American Top Team, getting involved in a storyline with Lashley.

October 28, 2017: Victory over Demian Maia

On October 28, 2017, Colby Covington fought Demian Maia at UFC Fight Night 119 and won the fight via unanimous decision, marking the final fight of his prevailing contract.

February 2018: WrestlePro Appearance

In February 2018, during his feud with Tyron Woodley, Colby Covington appeared at a WrestlePro event, where he had his only professional wrestling match to date, squashing a parody of Woodley.

June 9, 2018: Interim UFC Welterweight Championship Win

On June 9, 2018, Colby Covington fought Rafael dos Anjos at UFC 225 for the Interim UFC Welterweight Championship and won the fight via unanimous decision.

September 8, 2018: Unable to Compete at UFC 228 and Stripped of Title

On September 8, 2018, Colby Covington was unable to compete in a title unification bout with Tyron Woodley at UFC 228 due to recent nasal surgery. Subsequently, on July 24, promotional officials indicated that Covington would be stripped of the Interim UFC Welterweight Championship.

August 3, 2019: Victory Over Robbie Lawler

On August 3, 2019, Colby Covington faced Robbie Lawler at UFC on ESPN 5 and won via unanimous decision, setting a UFC record for most strikes thrown in a fight with 541.

December 14, 2019: Loss to Kamaru Usman at UFC 245

On December 14, 2019, Colby Covington faced Kamaru Usman for the UFC Welterweight Championship at UFC 245. He lost by technical knockout in the fifth round, earning his first post-fight bonus for Fight of the Night.

2019: Striking Record Against Robbie Lawler

In 2019, during his win over Robbie Lawler, Colby Covington threw 541 strikes, which was a UFC record at the time.

May 2020: Departure from American Top Team

In May 2020, Colby Covington parted ways with American Top Team after a public feud with other members.

September 19, 2020: Victory Over Tyron Woodley

On September 19, 2020, Colby Covington headlined UFC Fight Night 178 against Tyron Woodley, winning by technical knockout due to a Woodley rib injury.

March 2021: Controversy over alleged relationship with Polyana Viana

In March 2021, Colby Covington sparked controversy by suggesting he had a sexual relationship with UFC fighter Polyana Viana, implying this was related to his refusal to fight Leon Edwards at UFC Fight Night: Edwards vs. Muhammad. Viana refuted these claims, stating they were "just friends" and she had a boyfriend. She condemned Covington's behavior as a cheap self-promotion tactic.

November 6, 2021: Loss to Kamaru Usman at UFC 268

On November 6, 2021, Colby Covington rematched Kamaru Usman for the UFC Welterweight Championship at UFC 268 and lost via unanimous decision.

March 5, 2022: Victory over Jorge Masvidal

On March 5, 2022, Colby Covington faced Jorge Masvidal at UFC 272 and won the fight via unanimous decision, earning the Fight of the Night award.

December 16, 2023: Loss to Leon Edwards at UFC 296

On December 16, 2023, Colby Covington faced Leon Edwards for the UFC Welterweight Championship at UFC 296 and lost via unanimous decision after breaking his foot early in the bout.

December 14, 2024: Loss to Joaquin Buckley

On December 14, 2024, Colby Covington faced Joaquin Buckley at UFC on ESPN 63, replacing Ian Machado Garry. Covington lost by technical knockout due to a doctor stoppage from a cut above his eye in the third round.