History of Colby Covington in Timeline

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.

Sections (4)

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

February 22, 1988: Colby Covington Born

On February 22, 1988, Colby Ray Covington was born. He is an American professional mixed martial artist.

Others born on this day/year

2006: State Championship

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

August 10, 2007: Arrested for DUI

On August 10, 2007, Colby Covington was arrested for eluding police and driving under the influence with a BAC of 0.255, leading to a suspension from the University of Iowa wrestling team.

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.

May 23, 2010: Assault Allegation

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

2011: Graduation

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

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.

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.

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.

March 22, 2022: Assault by Jorge Masvidal

On March 22, 2022, Colby Covington was reportedly assaulted outside a Miami Beach restaurant by UFC rival Jorge Masvidal, who allegedly punched Covington in the face, resulting in a broken tooth. Masvidal was arrested and charged with aggravated battery and criminal mischief.

November 6, 2023: Masvidal pleads no contest

On November 6, 2023, Jorge Masvidal pleaded no contest to misdemeanor battery. This plea deal resulted in the felony charges for aggravated battery and criminal mischief being dropped.

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.

September 2024: Controversy over Lil Pump Chokehold

In September 2024, Colby Covington faced criticism for applying a rear-naked chokehold on rapper Lil Pump during a live stream. Covington reportedly did not release the hold even after Lil Pump tapped out, leading to the rapper passing out. This incident generated significant controversy.

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.