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

Colby Covington has not fully retired from mixed martial arts, though he exited the UFC following a 2024 loss to Joaquin Buckley. The former title challenger says his departure was a strategic move to pursue opportunities in professional wrestling under the Real American Freestyle (RAF) banner, where he has compiled a 4-0 record and recently won the promotion's inaugural cruiserweight crossover championship by defeating Arman Tsarukyan.

Covington told MMA Junkie that friction with UFC matchmaking—including his exclusion from UFC Freedom 250—contributed to his decision to step away. "I'm technically retired, but that was just the red tape I needed to get the biggest matchups in RAF," he explained, emphasizing that wrestling has always been his first passion. He remains open to an Octagon return if the right opportunity materializes.

At peace with his career achievements, including a UFC title shot, Covington says he will only consider coming back for significant fights. "I reached the mountaintop," he said. "I'm willing to entertain big and huge offers from the UFC and big fights. But if not, it's OK. I'm at peace." His stance underscores that while a return is theoretically possible, it would require compelling matchups to lure him back from his current wrestling pursuits.