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. As of December 2024, he is ranked #9 in the UFC welterweight rankings. Covington is known for his wrestling-heavy fighting style and his outspoken and controversial persona, often embracing a pro-Donald Trump and anti-liberal stance to generate publicity and build rivalries within the sport.
2006: State Championship
In 2006, as a senior at Thurston High School, Covington won the 171 lb state championship in wrestling.
2007: National Junior College Wrestling Title
In 2007, Colby Covington won the 165 lb national junior college wrestling title at Iowa Central Community College as a true freshman, achieving a 34-0 record.
2011: Joins American Top Team
In 2011, after completing his collegiate wrestling career, Colby Covington was recruited by Dan Lambert to American Top Team.
2013: Gold Medal at FILA Championships
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 at UFC Fight Night 56
On November 8, 2014, Colby Covington defeated Wagner Silva via submission at UFC Fight Night 56.
2014: Signs with UFC
In the summer of 2014, Colby Covington signed with the UFC after compiling a 5-0 record.
May 23, 2015: Victory at UFC 187
On May 23, 2015, Colby Covington defeated Mike Pyle via unanimous decision at UFC 187.
December 12, 2015: Loss at UFC 194
On December 12, 2015, Colby Covington lost to Warlley Alves via submission at UFC 194.
June 18, 2016: Victory at UFC Fight Night 89
On June 18, 2016, Colby Covington defeated Jonathan Meunier via submission at UFC Fight Night 89.
August 20, 2016: Victory at UFC 202
On August 20, 2016, Colby Covington defeated Max Griffin via TKO at UFC 202.
December 17, 2016: Victory at UFC on Fox 22
On December 17, 2016, Colby Covington defeated Bryan Barberena via unanimous decision at UFC on Fox 22.
June 17, 2017: Victory at UFC Fight Night 111
On June 17, 2017, Colby Covington defeated Dong Hyun Kim via unanimous decision at UFC Fight Night 111.
August 2017: Impact Wrestling Appearances
In August 2017, Colby Covington began appearing in Impact Wrestling (Global Force Wrestling), representing American Top Team and getting involved in a storyline with Lashley, marking his entry into professional wrestling entertainment.
October 28, 2017: Victory at UFC Fight Night 119
On October 28, 2017, Colby Covington defeated Demian Maia via unanimous decision at UFC Fight Night 119.
June 9, 2018: Interim UFC Welterweight Championship
On June 9, 2018, Colby Covington defeated Rafael dos Anjos at UFC 225 to win the Interim UFC Welterweight Championship.
September 8, 2018: Title Unification Bout Cancelled
On September 8, 2018, Colby Covington was unable to compete in a title unification bout against Tyron Woodley at UFC 228 due to recent nasal surgery, leading to him being stripped of the Interim UFC Welterweight Championship.
August 3, 2019: Victory at UFC on ESPN 5
On August 3, 2019, Colby Covington defeated Robbie Lawler at UFC on ESPN 5, setting a record for most strikes thrown in a UFC bout with 541.
December 14, 2019: UFC Welterweight Championship loss
On December 14, 2019, Colby Covington faced Kamaru Usman for the UFC Welterweight Championship at UFC 245 and lost by technical knockout in the fifth round, earning a Fight of the Night bonus.
May 2020: Leaves American Top Team
In May 2020, Colby Covington parted ways with American Top Team after a long-lasting feud with other members.
September 19, 2020: Victory at UFC Fight Night 178
On September 19, 2020, Colby Covington defeated Tyron Woodley at UFC Fight Night 178 via technical knockout due to a rib injury.
November 6, 2021: UFC Welterweight Championship Rematch Loss
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 at UFC 272
On March 5, 2022, Colby Covington defeated Jorge Masvidal at UFC 272 via unanimous decision, earning a Fight of the Night award.
December 16, 2023: UFC Welterweight Championship Loss
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 at UFC on ESPN 63
On December 14, 2024, Colby Covington faced Joaquin Buckley at UFC on ESPN 63, losing by technical knockout due to a doctor stoppage from a cut above his eye.
December 17, 2024: UFC Welterweight Ranking
As of December 17, 2024, Colby Covington is ranked #9 in the UFC welterweight division.
