Covington Leaves Door Open to UFC Return
Retired fighter Colby Covington says he would come back to face a major name in a big fight.
Updated on Oct. 31, 2026 in Mixed Martial Arts
Colby Covington retired from UFC competition after the promotion did not book him a White House fight, and he was denied a spot on the June UFC Freedom 250 card. In an interview with MMA Junkie, he said he would return to fight a big name in a big fight, but would not come back just to fight anybody.
Why it matters
Covington's comments leave open the possibility of a comeback after his retirement, which followed the UFC's decision not to book him for the White House event. The report comes as he has lost four of his last six fights, including a December 2024 loss to Joaquin Buckley at UFC Tampa.
Covington has lost four of his last six fights, with his most recent UFC loss coming to Joaquin Buckley at UFC Tampa in December 2024. Covington also competes in Real American Freestyle wrestling, where he has wrestled Arman Tsarukyan and Belal Muhammad.
The players
Colby Covington
Colby Covington is a American mixed martial artist and former UFC welterweight contender known for his outspoken public persona and his long-running rivalries inside the promotion.
Joaquin Buckley
Joaquin Buckley is an American mixed martial artist who defeated Colby Covington at UFC Tampa in December 2024.
Ultimate Fighting Championship
The Ultimate Fighting Championship is the largest mixed martial arts promotion in the world, known for staging major events and building fighter rivalries.
The details
Covington said the UFC turned down his intention to walk on the White House lawn, and he announced his retirement after that decision. He also said he has competed in Real American Freestyle wrestling since leaving the octagon, and that he planned to return to the UFC after a lengthy layoff in 2026.
Timeline
December 2024: Covington lost to Joaquin Buckley at UFC Tampa.
June: UFC Freedom 250 card held in Washington, DC, without a Covington fight.
2026: Covington planned to return to the UFC after a lengthy layoff.
Industry Dynamics
The UFC's White House event in June signals the promotion's push to tie its biggest cards to high-profile national showcases, and Covington's exclusion highlights how selective booking now shapes fighter careers. His retirement and comeback talk fit a broader pattern of fighters leaving the promotion and testing alternatives such as Real American Freestyle wrestling before seeking a return.
Covington's possible comeback would affect UFC welterweight matchmaking, since a return against a major name would require a new opponent slot. Fans tracking his record should note that a loss in his next bout would extend his recent downturn of losing four of six.
The takeaway
Fighter retirements and comeback talk often hinge on booking decisions, so watch for official UFC announcements before assuming a return. Covington's own words suggest any return will depend on the size of the opponent.
Further reading
Explore more Mixed Martial Arts coverage for context on fighter comebacks and UFC booking decisions.
