Ultimate Fighting Championship back.
The former UFC title challenger left the promotion after the loss Joaquin Buckley in 2024. Now, he says the decision was made so he could pursue wrestling opportunities outside of the UFC, but remains open to returning to mixed martial arts.
Colby Covington says big UFC fights could bring him back to MMA
Covington is 4-0 under the Real American Freestyle banner and recently won the promotion’s first crossover championship. Arman Tsarukyan. In a recent interview with MMA Junkie, he said a return to MMA is a possibility after disagreeing with the UFC on certain bouts and stepping away from the game.
UFC Freedom 250.
“I’m technically retired, but it was just the proverbial thing I needed to get by so I could get the biggest matches in the RAF,” Covington said. “Everybody knows that my first love and passion was always wrestling. I didn’t get fights in the UFC. They didn’t really give me the fights I wanted. I didn’t get on the White House card. I wouldn’t say I’m fully retired. I’d just say we’re on a temporary hiatus as I pursue my interest and passion for my first love and fighting.”
Regardless of whether a return to the Octagon materializes, Covington is happy with his career and accomplishments. “Kaos” added that he’s not interested in returning to MMA unless he’s in big fights.
“Yeah, how could I not be at peace? I got to the top of the mountain,” Covington added. “Not many people are ever going to win a world title in the UFC. I got to the top of the mountain. I did it all. At what point do you have to walk away? I’m willing to take big, big offers from the UFC and big fights. But if not, that’s fine. I’m happy.”
