Early Life and Education of Colby Covington: A Complete Timeline

Discover the defining moments in the early life of Colby Covington. From birth to education, explore key events.

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

February 22, 1988: Colby Covington's Birth

On February 22, 1988, Colby Ray Covington was born. He would later become a professional mixed martial artist, competing in the UFC's Welterweight division and becoming a former Interim UFC Welterweight Champion.

Others born on this day/year

2006: State Championship Win

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

August 10, 2007: Arrest for DUI

On August 10, 2007, Colby Covington was arrested for eluding police and driving under the influence. His BAC was 0.255, which was over three times the legal limit. Subsequently, he was suspended from the Hawkeyes for a year.

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.

May 23, 2010: Assault Allegations

On May 23, 2010, Colby Covington was cited for fourth-degree assault after allegedly punching two men following a verbal altercation. However, the Benton County District Attorney's Office did not pursue charges.

2011: Graduation with Sociology Degree

In 2011, Colby Covington graduated with a bachelor's degree in sociology.

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.

2017: Matt Hughes Comments

After his win over Lawler, Covington referenced a near-fatal accident Matt Hughes suffered in 2017, resulting in criticism from the media, but Covington refused to apologize.

2017: Controversial Post-Fight Interview in Brazil

Following his 2017 bout with Demian Maia in São Paulo, Brazil, Colby Covington called the country a "dump" and referred to the Brazilian crowd as "filthy animals" in the post-fight interview.

August 2, 2018: Visit to the White House

On August 2, 2018, Colby Covington visited President Donald Trump at the White House to present him with the Interim UFC Welterweight Championship.

2018: Comments About Glenn Robinson

In the lead up to the Kamaru Usman fight at UFC 245, Covington said that Usman gave Glenn Robinson, Usman's long-time coach who died in 2018, "a heart attack from all those years you were ducking me,".

2019: Use of Kurt Angle's WWE Theme Music

Before his 2019 main event against Robbie Lawler, Colby Covington embraced his villain status by using Kurt Angle's WWE entrance theme, with the crowd chanting "You suck!".

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.

2021: Max Holloway Surpasses Striking Record

In 2021, Max Holloway surpassed Colby Covington's 2019 record of 541 attempted strikes in a UFC bout with 746 attempted strikes in his fight against Calvin Kattar.