Colby Covington, controversial 3-time title challenger, retires from UFC

Colby Covington, 38, has officially retired from the UFC after informing the organization on Monday, May 18, 2026. The one-time interim welterweight champion finished his career with a 17-5 record, with his last fight being a third-round TKO loss via doctor's stoppage to Joaquin Buckley at UFC Tampa in December 2024. Covington made three unsuccessful attempts at the undisputed UFC welterweight title, most recently losing by unanimous decision to Leon Edwards.