Colby Covington: The Best Moments & Highlights

Hey guys! Whether you love him or love to hate him, Colby "Chaos" Covington is undeniably one of the most talked-about figures in the world of MMA. Known for his dominant wrestling, relentless pressure, and, of course, his controversial persona, Covington has carved out a unique space for himself in the UFC. So, let's dive into some of the best moments and highlights that define his career.

Early Career and Rise Through the Ranks

Before he became the brash, outspoken figure we know today, Colby Covington was a highly decorated wrestler with a serious dedication to the sport. He honed his skills at Oregon State University, becoming a Pac-10 champion and an NCAA Division I All-American. This wrestling pedigree formed the foundation of his MMA career, providing him with a distinct advantage over many of his opponents. Transitioning to professional MMA, Covington quickly made a name for himself with his relentless takedowns and top control. He racked up a series of wins, showcasing his ability to dominate opponents on the ground and wear them down with his pressure. His early fights displayed glimpses of the cardio and toughness that would later become hallmarks of his style. While his striking was still developing, his wrestling was already a force to be reckoned with, allowing him to control the pace and location of his fights. These early victories set the stage for his eventual arrival in the UFC, where he would begin his ascent towards the top of the welterweight division. Even in these formative years, Covington's unwavering confidence and competitive spirit were evident, hinting at the polarizing figure he would eventually become. It was clear from the start that he possessed the drive and determination necessary to succeed at the highest level of the sport. His journey from collegiate wrestling standout to professional MMA fighter was a testament to his work ethic and commitment to mastering his craft. This period laid the groundwork for the future success and notoriety that would come to define Colby Covington's career.

Dominating Performances in the UFC

Colby Covington's arrival in the UFC marked a significant turning point in his career, and it wasn't long before he started delivering some truly dominating performances. One of the most memorable examples is his fight against Dong Hyun Kim in 2017. Covington completely shut down Kim's offense with his relentless pressure and superior wrestling. He secured takedown after takedown, controlling the fight from start to finish and earning a dominant unanimous decision victory. This performance showcased Covington's ability to neutralize a dangerous opponent and impose his will inside the Octagon. Another standout performance came against Demian Maia, a renowned Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu expert. Many expected Maia to pose a significant threat on the ground, but Covington completely stifled his grappling game with his wrestling and top control. He frustrated Maia with his constant pressure, preventing him from establishing any submissions and ultimately winning a unanimous decision. This victory demonstrated Covington's ability to adapt his game plan and neutralize the strengths of his opponents. These dominating performances solidified Covington's status as a top contender in the welterweight division and showcased his evolution as a complete MMA fighter. His wrestling remained his primary weapon, but he also demonstrated improvements in his striking and overall fight IQ. Covington's ability to control the pace and location of his fights, combined with his relentless pressure and unwavering confidence, made him a formidable opponent for anyone in the division. These victories not only elevated his ranking but also contributed to the development of his persona, as he began to embrace the role of the villain and use his platform to promote himself and his fights. It was during this period that Covington truly began to establish himself as a force to be reckoned with in the UFC, both inside and outside the Octagon.

The Interim Title Win Against Rafael dos Anjos

One of the defining moments in Colby Covington's career was his interim title fight against Rafael dos Anjos at UFC 225. This fight was a grueling, back-and-forth battle that showcased Covington's unwavering cardio and relentless pressure. Dos Anjos, a former lightweight champion, was a formidable opponent with a well-rounded skill set, but Covington was determined to impose his will and capture the interim title. From the opening bell, Covington wasted no time in implementing his wrestling-heavy game plan. He relentlessly pursued takedowns, forcing Dos Anjos to constantly defend and expend energy. While Dos Anjos had moments of success with his striking, Covington's pressure and takedowns kept him on the defensive for the majority of the fight. Covington's cardio proved to be a major factor as the fight wore on. He maintained a relentless pace, constantly pushing forward and attacking with takedowns and strikes. Dos Anjos, on the other hand, began to slow down, struggling to keep up with Covington's relentless pressure. In the later rounds, Covington took complete control of the fight, dominating Dos Anjos with his wrestling and ground control. He secured multiple takedowns, keeping Dos Anjos pinned against the cage and peppering him with strikes. By the end of the fight, there was no doubt that Covington had done enough to earn the victory. The judges awarded him a unanimous decision, crowning him the interim welterweight champion. This victory was a testament to Covington's hard work, dedication, and unwavering belief in himself. He had overcome a tough opponent in Rafael dos Anjos and proven that he was one of the best welterweights in the world. The interim title win not only elevated his status in the UFC but also provided him with a platform to further promote himself and his controversial persona. It was a pivotal moment in his career that solidified his position as a top contender and a major draw in the sport.

The Controversial Persona and Trash Talk

Okay, let's be real, you can't talk about Colby Covington without addressing his controversial persona and trash talk. He's become famous (or infamous, depending on your perspective) for his over-the-top promos, political statements, and relentless attacks on his opponents. This is where things get spicy, guys. Covington's trash talk is often seen as offensive and inflammatory, crossing the line into personal insults and political commentary. He's been accused of using racist, sexist, and xenophobic language, drawing criticism from fans, media, and fellow fighters alike. However, Covington maintains that his persona is simply a way to promote himself and his fights. He claims that he's playing a character, exaggerating his views and behavior to generate attention and create rivalries. Whether you believe him or not, there's no denying that his controversial persona has been incredibly effective in getting people to talk about him. He's become one of the most talked-about figures in MMA, regardless of whether people love him or hate him. From a business perspective, Covington's trash talk has undoubtedly helped him to increase his visibility and generate more revenue. He's become a pay-per-view draw, attracting a large audience eager to see him fight (and potentially lose). However, the cost of his persona has been significant. He's alienated many fans and fighters, and his controversial statements have often overshadowed his accomplishments inside the Octagon. Ultimately, Covington's controversial persona is a complex and divisive issue. Some see him as a brilliant marketer who's simply playing a character, while others view him as a offensive and harmful figure who's damaging the sport. Regardless of your personal opinion, there's no denying that his trash talk has had a major impact on his career and the world of MMA.

Rivalry with Kamaru Usman

The rivalry between Colby Covington and Kamaru Usman is one of the most intense and memorable in UFC history. Their two fights were absolute wars, filled with drama, excitement, and controversy. The first fight, at UFC 245, was a back-and-forth slugfest that saw both fighters land significant strikes. Covington's pressure and volume were a challenge for Usman, while Usman's power and precision posed a threat to Covington. The fight was incredibly close, with many fans believing that Covington was ahead on the scorecards heading into the later rounds. However, Usman rallied in the fifth round, landing a series of devastating punches that dropped Covington. The referee stopped the fight, awarding Usman the TKO victory. The stoppage was immediately controversial, with Covington and many fans arguing that it was premature. Covington claimed that he was still defending himself and that the referee should have allowed the fight to continue. The rematch, at UFC 268, was another closely contested battle. Usman once again secured the victory, but Covington proved to be an incredibly tough and resilient opponent. Usman dropped Covington twice in the fight, but Covington managed to survive and continue fighting. The fight went the distance, with Usman winning a unanimous decision. While Usman emerged victorious in both fights, Covington proved that he was a worthy adversary. Their rivalry captivated the MMA world and generated huge pay-per-view numbers. The animosity between the two fighters was palpable, and their fights were filled with intense emotion and drama. The rivalry between Covington and Usman is a testament to the competitive spirit of MMA and the ability of two fighters to push each other to their limits. Even though Usman won both fights, Covington earned the respect of many fans and fighters with his toughness, resilience, and unwavering determination. Their rivalry will be remembered as one of the greatest in UFC history, a classic example of two elite fighters pushing each other to the brink.

What's Next for Colby Covington?

So, what's next for Colby "Chaos" Covington? That's the question on everyone's mind. Despite his losses to Kamaru Usman, Covington remains a top contender in the welterweight division. He's still one of the most skilled and exciting fighters in the world, and he's always just one win away from getting back into title contention. A potential matchup that many fans would love to see is Covington against Khamzat Chimaev. This fight would be a clash of styles, with Covington's wrestling and pressure going up against Chimaev's explosive grappling and striking. It would be a fascinating test for both fighters and a guaranteed barnburner. Another potential opponent for Covington is Gilbert Burns. Burns is a highly skilled grappler with a proven track record against top welterweights. A fight between Covington and Burns would be a high-stakes battle with significant implications for the title picture. Of course, there's always the possibility of a third fight against Kamaru Usman. While Usman has won both of their previous encounters, Covington has proven to be a tough and challenging opponent. A third fight would be a massive event, drawing in a huge audience and generating significant revenue. Regardless of who he fights next, one thing is certain: Colby Covington will continue to be one of the most talked-about figures in MMA. His controversial persona and exciting fighting style guarantee that he'll always be a major draw. Whether you love him or hate him, you can't deny that Colby Covington is a force to be reckoned with in the world of mixed martial arts. So, keep your eyes peeled, because the "Chaos" is far from over, guys!