Colby Covington
Active 2014–present · rated in 4 editions · peak overall 89.0
Scouting report
A relentless pace and deep gas tank allowed Colby "Chaos" Covington to capture the Interim UFC Welterweight Championship and dominate contenders. Born in Clovis, California, the standout collegiate wrestler pressed opponents with non-stop volume and pressure, scoring wins over Robbie Lawler, Tyron Woodley, and Jorge Masvidal. His engine is reflected in a 99 Cardio, 95 Wrestling, and 89 Overall score.
Peak ratings
By edition
Covington ascended to the top of the division between 2018 and 2019, defeating Rafael dos Anjos across five rounds at UFC 225 in Chicago to capture the Interim UFC Welterweight Championship, before beating Robbie Lawler by decision in Newark and challenging Kamaru Usman in a title war at UFC 245 in Las Vegas. His wrestling volume and cardio are reflected in a 94 Wrestling and 98 Cardio.
In September 2020 in Las Vegas, Covington dominated former champion Tyron Woodley via fifth-round rib injury TKO, before pushing champion Kamaru Usman to the limit in a five-round championship rematch at UFC 268 in Madison Square Garden. His chain wrestling, striking output, and gas tank anchor his 95 Wrestling and 99 Cardio.
Covington dominated rival Jorge Masvidal across five rounds at UFC 272 in Las Vegas in March 2022 with heavy takedowns and top control, before losing a five-round decision to Leon Edwards for the welterweight title at UFC 296 in December 2023. His wrestling pressure, pace, and takedown tenacity maintain his 92 Wrestling and 96 Cardio.
Colby Covington runs the same play until it breaks you
Colby Covington wrestled at Oregon State and the pressure game showed up in his MMA career. He beat Rafael dos Anjos for the interim welterweight title and then fought Kamaru Usman for the belt. He talks a lot, but the fighting is the point: a heavy, forward, constant pace that grinds people down over five rounds.
Covington attribute by attribute
Boxing. Good volume boxing. He throws in combination and uses it to walk opponents to the fence.
Kickboxing. The weak area. His kicks are rare, and he mostly relies on punches and level changes.
Wrestling. The foundation. Relentless shots, chain wrestling, and heavy top pressure once he gets the fight down.
BJJ. Solid. He can grapple with anyone, though it is not what defines him.
Strength. Strong. He pushes people around in the clinch and holds position against the fence.
Durability. Very good. He took a lot of hard shots and kept coming.
Cardio. The best number on the sheet. He built a reputation for a pace that others could not keep up with.
Fight IQ. Excellent. He fights to a plan, and he sticks to it even when it looks ugly.
Why he wins rounds: Cardio
Cardio is the rating that matters. Covington went past fifteen minutes and kept the same forward pressure, and against Robbie Lawler and Demian Maia that pace made the difference. Draft him for a lineup that needs a fighter who will not slow down.
What he does not do: Kickboxing
Kickboxing is his lowest mark. He is not a kicker, and a fighter who can keep him at range and punish the entry has a path to beat him. Pair him with picks who can deal with distance if the opponent refuses to be taken down.
Keep exploring
Closest welterweight profiles to Colby Covington, measured by how near their peak attribute ratings sit across all eight categories.
- Belal Muhammadbest cardio 97 · weakest kickboxing 81
- Rory MacDonaldbest cardio 90 · weakest strength 82
- Kamaru Usmanbest wrestling 98 · weakest kickboxing 82
- Sean Bradybest wrestling 93 · weakest kickboxing 76
- Welterweight division guide: how the whole division rates and who to draft from it.
- Protecting your streak: a guide that fits Colby Covington's strongest attribute, Cardio.
Draft Colby Covington into your build
Colby Covington enters the pool on any spin landing on welterweight between 2018 and present. Spin, draft eight attributes, then simulate 25 fights.
Ratings shown are my own estimates, made with AI assistance and informed by how Colby Covington is regarded by the MMA community. They are unofficial and do not constitute an assessment of Colby Covington's real-world abilities. How the ratings are made. See the disclaimer below. Ratings and write-ups by Haaris A. Last reviewed 2026-09-30; spot an error? Tell us. Read our editorial standards.