Colby Covington Will Wrestle Dillon Danis on November 3
Hype Fighting announced that Colby Covington and Dillon Danis will face off in a submission-only grappling match in Rome.
Updated on Oct. 14, 2026 in Wrestling
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Colby Covington will compete against Dillon Danis on November 3 at the Pala Pellicone in Rome, Italy. The event is a submission-only grappling match.
Why it matters
The match serves as a high-profile return for Covington following his retirement from the UFC. It also precedes his upcoming title defense against Khamzat Chimaev.
Colby Covington is 38 years old, while his opponent Dillon Danis is 33 years old. Covington previously defeated Belal Muhammad by tech fall, whereas Danis lost to Khamzat Chimaev by pinfall in June.
The players
Colby Covington
He is a 38-year-old retired UFC competitor who is transitioning into professional grappling.
Dillon Danis
He is a 33-year-old athlete who previously faced Covington in March 2026.
Khamzat Chimaev
He is a professional wrestler who is scheduled to face Covington in a title defense.
Hype Fighting
This is the promotional organization that announced the submission-only grappling match.
The details
Hype Fighting announced the bout this past Wednesday, marking a transition for Covington after his retirement from the UFC. Covington previously withdrew from an October 4 match against Mayton Perea due to food poisoning.
Timeline
March 2026: Dillon Danis debuted against Colby Covington.
June 2026: Dillon Danis lost to Khamzat Chimaev by pinfall.
October 4, 2026: Covington was scheduled to face Mayton Perea.
November 3, 2026: Covington will face Danis in Rome.
Season Trajectory
This grappling match alters the competitive outlook for the remainder of the season by testing Covington's readiness for his upcoming title defense. The bout sets the stakes for his immediate future against Khamzat Chimaev just over a week later.
The match will test Covington's physical condition exactly 11 days before he is slated to face Khamzat Chimaev. Fans should monitor his performance and injury status, as it directly impacts the legitimacy of his upcoming title defense.
The takeaway
Covington faces a tight turnaround as he prepares for both this grappling exhibition and his title defense. Athletes and fans should note the physical risks involved in scheduling high-intensity matches within such a short window.
What happens next
Colby Covington is scheduled to face Khamzat Chimaev in a title defense shortly after the November 3, 2026, event.
Further reading
For more news on upcoming matchups, visit our Wrestling section.
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