50 Facts About Colby Covington

Early Life and Wrestling Beginnings

Colby Covington's journey from a small-town kid to a UFC star is filled with determination and grit. Let's dive into his early years and wrestling roots.

1. Early Life: Born on February 22, 1988, in Clovis, California, Colby moved to Oregon at eight years old.
2. Family Background: His father, Brad Covington, was a wrestler at the Oregon Institute of Technology and Southern Oregon University.
3. High School Wrestling: Colby lettered all four years at Thurston High School in Springfield, Oregon, winning the 171-pound state championship as a senior.
4. College Wrestling: Initially committed to Arizona State University, Colby attended Iowa Central Community College due to low test scores, where he won the 165-pound national junior college wrestling title with a 34-0 record.
5. University of Iowa: Transferring to the University of Iowa, Colby wrestled under head coach Tom Brands at 165 pounds, achieving a 9-2 record.
6. Arrest and Suspension: In 2007, Colby was arrested for eluding police and driving under the influence, leading to a year-long suspension from the University of Iowa.
7. Oregon State University: After his suspension, Colby transferred to Oregon State University, qualifying for the NCAA tournament as a junior and placing fifth as a senior, earning All-American honors.
8. Personal Life: Colby graduated with a bachelor's degree in sociology from Oregon State University in 2011.

Transition to Mixed Martial Arts

Colby's transition from wrestling to MMA was seamless, showcasing his adaptability and skill.

9. Mixed Martial Arts Career: Colby began his MMA career with a 5-0 record before signing with the UFC in the summer of 2014.
10. UFC Debut: He made his UFC debut against Anying Wang on August 23, 2014, at UFC Fight Night 48, winning via TKO in the first round.
11. Early UFC Fights: Colby won his second UFC fight against Wagner Silva via submission in the third round on November 8, 2014, at UFC Fight Night 56.
12. Mike Pyle Fight: On May 23, 2015, at UFC 187, Colby replaced an injured Sean Spencer and defeated Mike Pyle via unanimous decision.
13. Warlley Alves Loss: Colby faced Warlley Alves on December 12, 2015, at UFC 194 and lost via submission in the first round.
14. Jonathan Meunier Win: Expected to face Alex Garcia on June 18, 2016, Colby won against Jonathan Meunier via submission in the third round at UFC Fight Night 89.
15. Max Griffin Win: On August 20, 2016, at UFC 202, Colby defeated Max Griffin via TKO in the third round.
16. Bryan Barberena Win: He faced Bryan Barberena on December 17, 2016, at UFC on Fox 22 and won via unanimous decision.

Rising Through the Ranks

Colby's rise in the UFC was marked by significant victories and a growing reputation.

17. Dong Hyun Kim Win: On June 17, 2017, at UFC Fight Night 111, Colby defeated Dong Hyun Kim via unanimous decision.
18. Demian Maia Win: In his final fight of his prevailing contract, Colby defeated Demian Maia via unanimous decision on October 28, 2017, at UFC Fight Night 119.
19. Feud with American Top Team: Colby was involved in a public feud with other American Top Team members, including Dustin Poirier, Jorge Masvidal, and Joanna Jędrzejczyk, leading to his departure from the gym in May 2020.
20. Tyron Woodley Fight: On September 19, 2020, Colby headlined UFC Fight Night 178 against Tyron Woodley and won via technical knockout when Woodley suffered a rib injury.
21. Kamaru Usman Rematch: On November 6, 2021, at UFC 268, Colby rematched Kamaru Usman for the UFC Welterweight Championship but lost via unanimous decision.
22. Jorge Masvidal Win: On March 5, 2022, at UFC 272, Colby defeated Jorge Masvidal via unanimous decision, earning him the Fight of the Night award.
23. Leon Edwards Loss: After a nearly two-year hiatus, Colby returned to face Leon Edwards for the UFC Welterweight Championship on December 16, 2023, at UFC 296 but lost via unanimous decision.
24. Rankings: As of October 8, 2024, Colby is ranked #6 in the UFC welterweight rankings.

Championship Pursuits and Notable Fights

Colby's career is defined by his relentless pursuit of championship glory and memorable bouts.

25. Interim UFC Welterweight Champion: Colby won the Interim UFC Welterweight Championship on June 9, 2018, against Rafael dos Anjos via unanimous decision.
26. Title Unification Bout: Initially linked to a title unification bout with Tyron Woodley on September 8, 2018, at UFC 228, Colby was unable to compete due to recent nasal surgery and was subsequently stripped of the Interim Championship.
27. Robbie Lawler Fight: On August 3, 2019, at UFC on ESPN 5, Colby faced Robbie Lawler and won via a lopsided unanimous decision, setting a record for the most strikes thrown in a UFC bout with 541 strikes.
28. Kamaru Usman Fight: On December 14, 2019, at UFC 245, Colby faced Kamaru Usman for the UFC Welterweight Championship and broke his jaw in the third round before being finished via technical knockout in the fifth round. This fight earned him his first post-fight bonus in the UFC for Fight of the Night.
29. Public Feud with Dustin Poirier: Colby was involved in a public feud with Dustin Poirier, contributing to his departure from American Top Team in May 2020.
30. Tyron Woodley Rematch: On September 19, 2020, Colby headlined UFC Fight Night 178 against Tyron Woodley and won via technical knockout when Woodley suffered a rib injury.
31. Jorge Masvidal Rematch: On March 5, 2022, at UFC 272, Colby defeated Jorge Masvidal via unanimous decision, earning him the Fight of the Night award.
32. Leon Edwards Rematch: After a nearly two-year hiatus, Colby returned to face Leon Edwards for the UFC Welterweight Championship on December 16, 2023, at UFC 296 but lost via unanimous decision.
33. Championship Ambitions: Despite his losses, Colby remains a formidable contender in the welterweight division, always aiming for another shot at the championship.

Personality and Media Presence

Known for his outspoken nature, Colby has made a name for himself both inside and outside the Octagon.

34. Personality and Persona: Known for his outspoken personality and trash-talking style, Colby has become a polarizing figure in the MMA world.
35. Media Presence: He has been featured in various media outlets, including ESPN, where he is often highlighted for his high-profile fights and personal feuds.
36. Fan Base: Despite his controversies, Colby maintains a dedicated fan base who appreciate his aggressive fighting style and entertaining persona.
37. Training Camps: Currently training under the MMA Masters team, Colby continues to refine his skills and prepare for future bouts.
38. Injury History: Colby has faced several injuries throughout his career, including breaking his jaw during his fight against Kamaru Usman at UFC 245.
39. Post-Fight Bonuses: He has earned multiple post-fight bonuses, including Fight of the Night awards for his bouts against Jorge Masvidal and Kamaru Usman.
40. Public Feuds: Colby has been involved in several high-profile feuds with other fighters, including Dustin Poirier, Jorge Masvidal, and Joanna Jędrzejczyk, which have often overshadowed his fights.
41. Social Media Presence: Active on social media platforms, Colby frequently engages with fans and opponents alike, often using these platforms to promote his fights and share his opinions on various topics.

Beyond the Octagon

Colby's life outside the cage is just as intriguing, with a mix of philanthropy, family life, and community involvement.

42. Philanthropy: Despite his tough exterior, Colby has shown a softer side through various charitable endeavors, including supporting local community programs and participating in fundraising events.
43. Mental Health Awareness: He has spoken publicly about his struggles with mental health and the importance of seeking help, aiming to raise awareness and reduce stigma around mental health issues.
44. Family Life: Colby is married and has children, balancing his professional career with family responsibilities. His family life often provides a glimpse into his more personal side.
45. High School Achievements: During his high school years, Colby set a school record for most takedowns in a season with 228 takedowns and finished his prep career with a 118-34 record and 58 pins.
46. College Achievements: At Oregon State University, Colby qualified for the NCAA tournament as a junior and placed fifth as a senior, earning All-American honors. He also won two Pac-10 Conference championships at 174 pounds.
47. Junior College National Championship: During his true freshman season at Iowa Central Community College, Colby won the Junior College National Championship with a 34-0 record, becoming the first undefeated wrestler in college history.
48. Roommate with Jon Jones: During his time at Iowa Central, Colby was roommates with future UFC champion Jon Jones, an experience that has been highlighted in various interviews and articles.
49. Community Involvement: Beyond his professional career, Colby has been involved in various community programs, including participating in local charity events and supporting youth sports initiatives.
50. Legacy in MMA: As one of the most recognizable figures in the UFC, Colby Covington continues to leave an indelible mark on the sport of mixed martial arts, both in and out of the Octagon.

Colby Covington's Impact on MMA

Colby Covington's journey from a high school wrestler to a UFC star is nothing short of remarkable. His dedication and resilience have made him a standout figure in mixed martial arts. From his early days winning state championships to his intense battles in the UFC, Colby's career is filled with notable achievements and memorable moments.

Despite controversies and public feuds, his aggressive fighting style and outspoken personality have earned him a dedicated fan base. His victories over top fighters and his interim UFC Welterweight Championship win highlight his skills and determination.

Colby's story is a testament to hard work and perseverance. Whether you love him or hate him, there's no denying his impact on the sport. His legacy in MMA continues to grow, inspiring future fighters to chase their dreams.