Colby Covington is open to stepping back into the UFC, provided the matchup is right. The former interim welterweight champion has been sidelined since his December 2024 defeat against Joaquin Buckley.
Conditions for a UFC Comeback
The 38-year-old fighter clarified to MMA Junkie that he has not stepped away from mixed martial arts for good. Instead, he is holding out for an opponent who can motivate him.
“Without a question, if it’s a big name and it’s a big fight that gets me up early in the morning, then I’m going to do it,” Covington told MMA Junkie, explaining that standard bouts feature lower pay scales. He added that financial compensation is no longer his primary motivation because of successful career earnings and smart investments, stating he is set for life and does not need to fight again.
“So it’s not about the money, it’s about the legacy,” Covington said. “If there’s a big fight that adds to my legacy and can get me excited to get up at 6 a.m. in the morning and do some hard training, then that’s what I’ll come back for.”
Targeting Big Names and Future Matches
While Covington does not have a specific individual in mind, he is looking for fellow established characters in the sport, naming figures like Conor McGregor and Nate Diaz as ideal candidates.
Since his time away from the Octagon, Covington has competed under the Real American Freestyle banner, securing the cruiserweight crossover title and defeating Arman Tsarukyan. He believes he can replicate those performances in the UFC against the right opponent, keeping the door open for a future return.
Next up, Covington is scheduled to defend his RAF cruiserweight crossover title against Khamzat Chimaev in the main event on Nov. 14 at Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, airing on FOX Nation.
