Colby Covington isn’t sweating whether or not he still has a spot in the UFC welterweight rankings.
Following a lopsided win over Luke Rockhold in the RAF 5 main event on Saturday, the former interim champion was asked about comments made by UFC CEO Dana White about his place in the rankings despite not winning a fight since 2022. During an interview with Barstool Sports, White was made away that Covington was still in the top 15 off two straight losses — without competing at all in 2025 — and his last victory came nearly four years ago against Jorge Masvidal.
Advertisement
“That’s a great point,” White said when asked about Covington’s record and inactivity while still staying ranked.
In response, Covington admitted he didn’t care much about whether or not he’s ranked by the UFC because he’s confident that whenever he shows up, the world is going to be watching.
“It really doesn’t matter what Dana White thinks of me,” Covington said at the RAF 5 post-fight press conference. “I’m a world champion. I’m Donald Trump’s favorite fighter. I’m America’s champion. I’m the king of Miami. You can never take those titles away from me.
“Take me out of the rankings, whatever. I’m still the biggest draw at welterweight. It makes no difference what number is next to my name. I know what I’m capable of, and I know I’m still the best fighter and wrestler on planet Earth.”
Advertisement
Covington hasn’t fought since December 2024 when he fell to Joaquin Buckley in the third round via doctor’s stoppage after a suffering a gruesome cut that ended his night. That came one fight after Covington dropped a lackluster decision to then welterweight champion Leon Edwards.
Overall, Covington is 1-3 in his past four fights with only four total appearances in the UFC between 2021 and 2024.
While his standing in the welterweight rankings might come into question, Covington definitely injected some enthusiasm into his wrestling career after shutting down Rockhold with a dominant 12-0 technical fall victory.
Following the win, Covington wasted no time calling out former UFC welterweight champion Georges St-Pierre and he explained exactly what that matchup makes sense for RAF to make next.
Advertisement
“GSP is one of the GOATs of the organization,” Covington said. “GSP is the only guy that’s ahead of me on the UFC welterweight takedown list. He’s No. 1 all-time in takedowns at welterweight. I’m No. 2. So I want to settle this in the RAF mat. I think this match needs to happen. I know Georges probably still wants to compete and the fans want to see him compete.
“So GSP, let’s give the fans what they want. Come back, let’s settle it once and for all. Let’s find out who the greatest welterweight wrestler is in history on the RAF mat.”
