Overview
- This week Covington notified the UFC and was removed from the promotion’s active roster and rankings, with the athlete database listing him as retired.
- Despite the UFC exit, Covington remains active on the Real American Freestyle circuit and is scheduled to face former UFC champion Chris Weidman on May 30.
- His last UFC fight was a December 2024 TKO doctor's stoppage loss to Joaquin Buckley and the promotion removed him from its rankings in April 2026 after a lengthy period of inactivity.
- Former rival Kamaru Usman said he is puzzled by Covington’s decision and described a disconnect between the fighter and the UFC, while UFC president Dana White has suggested Covington’s own choices limited his activity.
- Covington’s switch to RAF and public criticism of the UFC followed failed or stalled matchups inside the promotion and could complicate any return to UFC competition depending on contract and matchmaking talks.