Covington leaves UFC return open while pursuing wrestling
The former UFC interim champion says he is not fully retired, but no comeback has been confirmed.
Colby Covington says he has not fully retired from mixed martial arts and could return to the UFC if offered a suitable fight.
Covington announced his MMA retirement in May, saying the move allowed him to pursue opportunities with Real American Freestyle that were unavailable to an active UFC fighter. He remains involved with RAF as an investor.
He says he is 4–0 in RAF and recently won the organisation’s inaugural Cruiserweight Crossover Championship against UFC lightweight contender Arman Tsarukyan.
Covington had sought a place on the UFC Freedom 250 event at the White House but was not selected. He said the absence of appealing UFC opportunities contributed to his decision to focus on wrestling.
The former UFC interim champion has challenged for the undisputed title three times. While he says a return remains possible, he also accepts that he may never compete in the octagon again. No opponent, bout or negotiations have been confirmed.
