Colby Covington says he’s not fully retired, names condition for UFC return

Colby Covington isn’t closing the door on an Ultimate Fighting Championship return.

The former UFC title challenger exited the promotion after his defeat to Joaquin Buckley in 2024. He now says the decision was taken so he could pursue opportunities outside the UFC in wrestling, but remains open to returning to mixed martial arts.

Covington is 4-0 under the Real American Freestyle banner and recently captured the promotion's inaugural cruiserweight crossover championship with a victory over Arman Tsarukyan. In a recent interview with MMA Junkie, he said an MMA return is possible after previously disagreeing with the UFC on certain matchups and his omission from UFC Freedom 250.

“I'm technically retired, technically, but that was just the red proverbial tape I needed to get by so I could get the biggest matchups in RAF,” Covington said. “Everybody knows my first love and passion was always wrestling. I wasn't getting any fights in the UFC. They weren't really offering me the fights that I want. I didn't get on the White House card. I wouldn't say I'm fully retired. I would just say that we're on a temporary break as I pursue my interest and first love and passion for wrestling at the RAF.”

Irrespective of whether an Octagon return comes to fruition, Covington is content with his career and accomplishments. “Chaos” added that unless he’s involved in big fights, returning to MMA doesn’t appeal to him.

“Yeah, how could I not be at peace? I reached the mountaintop,” Covington added. “Not a lot of people are ever going to win a world title in the UFC. I reached the mountaintop. I did it all. At what point do you need to walk away? I'm willing to entertain big and huge offers from the UFC and big fights. But if not, you know, it's OK. I'm at peace.”