Colby Covington, a seasoned mixed martial artist previously known for his steadfast loyalty to the UFC, has publicly unleashed a scathing critique against the promotion, expressing profound dissatisfaction with his current situation.
After nearly 12 years within the octagon and an additional two on the regional scene, ‘Chaos’ stated he has grown tired of his role as a fighter and feels compelled to vocalize his true feelings as his career progresses. He claims the UFC has neglected its contractual obligations and unfairly impeded his ability to earn a living.
Covington highlighted a prolonged period of inactivity, asserting that the UFC has kept him on the sidelines for 14 months without offering a single fight. “They just have me sitting around for the last 14 months doing nothing, twiddling my thumbs,” Covington lamented. He emphasized that his contract mandates three fights per year, and the promotion’s failure to provide these opportunities directly impacts his income. “They’re not giving me an opportunity to earn,” he asserted.
Further escalating his grievances, Covington revealed that the UFC explicitly blocked his participation in a Real American Freestyle (RAF) wrestling match against Arman Tsarukyan. This restriction, he claims, prevents him from generating income outside the octagon, intensifying his financial frustration. Covington had previously achieved success in RAF, notably dominating Luke Rockhold, and a high-profile matchup with Tsarukyan, whose recognition had surged after a notable RAF appearance, was eagerly anticipated.
Covington views this as a fundamental contradiction in his employment status. “We’re treated as independent contractors, but they’re treating me like an employee right now,” he explained. He challenged the logic of being restricted from pursuing other earning opportunities while simultaneously being denied fight opportunities by the UFC. “How does that make sense? We’re independent contractors, but you’re treating me like an employee. You’re saying that, if I wash this house, I can’t go wash another house to make money.”
He also recounted a past incident where he believes the UFC unfairly stripped him of an interim title, which cost him significant pay-per-view points and what would have been the largest payday of his career. This occurred, he claims, because he refused to accept a fight on four weeks’ notice following nasal surgery and a gruelling five-round world title bout.
Covington concluded his impassioned remarks by expressing deep frustration over what he perceives as a career-long pattern of unfair treatment. “Every step of the way, I’ve been treated like sh*t, and I’ve tried to play the company role, but you know, I’m just over it, man. It’s just frustrating, and you know, there’s nothing we can do about it… Even after everything I’ve done for them, dude.” He reiterated his disappointment at being kept idle and denied both fight opportunities and external earning ventures, particularly the high-profile RAF match against Tsarukyan, which the UFC ultimately shut down.