Colby Covington

Colby Covington is a prominent American mixed martial artist, recognized as a former Interim UFC Welterweight Champion and for his successful collegiate wrestling career. After securing the 2007 165 lb national junior college wrestling title with an undefeated 34–0 record as a freshman at Iowa Central Community College, Colby Covington went on to establish himself as a dominant force in collegiate wrestling. His early career included winning the 171 lb state championship in 2006 while at Thurston High School. Transitioning into grappling, Covington also secured a first-place finish in the 77 kg category at the FILA No-Gi Grappling World Championship in 2013.

Covington made his professional mixed martial arts debut after graduating in 2011, quickly amassing an impressive 5–0 record. He was then recruited by Dan Lambert to American Top Team, a move that heralded his entry into the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) in 2014. His UFC debut on August 23, 2014, saw him secure a TKO victory against Anying Wang. Covington rapidly ascended the welterweight ranks, culminating in his capture of the Interim UFC Welterweight Championship on June 9, 2018, at UFC 225, following a unanimous decision victory over Rafael dos Anjos.

Covington has headlined multiple pay-per-view events, including challenging for the undisputed UFC Welterweight Championship on two occasions against Kamaru Usman and most recently against Leon Edwards. Despite these high-stakes championship bouts, he remains a prominent and highly marketable figure within the sport, recognized globally for his distinctive fighting prowess and outspoken personality. His unique approach and competitive drive consistently position him at the forefront of the welterweight division.