Former UFC interim welterweight champion Colby Covington has officially notified the UFC of his decision to retire from active competition, multiple people with knowledge of the situation confirmed to MMA Fighting on Monday.
The UFC’s athlete database also has Covington listed as retired.
Mayra Bueno Silva and Brad Riddell have also been removed from the roster, MMA Fighting has learned.
Covington (17-5) last fought in the UFC in December 2024, suffering a third-round stoppage loss to Joaquin Buckley. That was a year after he came up short in his attempt to take the undisputed welterweight title away from Leon Edwards.
Covington leaves the promotion with a 12-5 record in the octagon, including big wins over Jorge Masvidal, Tyron Woodley, Rafael dos Anjos and Robbie Lawler. “Chaos’” retirement is a surprising one considering he was campaigning for a spot on the White House card on June 14.
The 38-year-old welterweight has been active on the wrestling mats as of late, defeating Luke Rockhold and Dillon Danis earlier this year at RAF. He’s scheduled to return to RAF on May 30 for a match with Chris Weidman in Texas.
Bueno Silva (10-7-1) walks away from the UFC after going winless in her last six fights, including a title fight loss to Raquel Pennington. Her most recent appearance ended in a decision defeat to Michelle Montague in April.
Riddell (10-4) lost three straight between 2021 and 2022, a trio of stoppages against Rafael Fiziev, Jalin Turner and Renato Moicano. “Quake” was slated to return to the cage after more than a year away to face Thiago Moises in March 2024, but withdrew from the card.
