Colby Covington is not concerned with where the UFC places him on its rankings list.
After defeating Luke Rockhold in dominant fashion at RAF 5, Covington addressed recent remarks made by UFC CEO Dana White that raised questions about whether he still belongs among the top 15 welterweights. White discussed Covington’s standing during an interview with Barstool Sports, pointing out the gap between Covington’s ranking and his recent activity.
“That’s a great point,” White said when the topic was brought up.
Covington responded soon after, making it clear that official rankings hold little value in his eyes.
‼️Dana White AGREES it’s strange that Colby Covington is still ranked
🗣️Robbie: ‘the guys fought once in the last 752 days and lost, his last win was March 2022, how does a guy like that stay in the top 15 for years?’
🗣️Dana: ‘it’s a great point’
via @RobbieBarstool pic.twitter.com/ZIFNGaxXqB
— Dovy🔌 (@DovySimuMMA) January 9, 2026
Covington Shrugs Off Rankings Debate
“It really doesn’t matter what Dana White thinks of me,” Covington said at the RAF 5 post-fight press conference. “I’m a world champion. I’m Donald Trump’s favorite fighter. I’m America’s champion. I’m the king of Miami. You can never take those titles away from me.
“Take me out of the rankings, whatever. I’m still the biggest draw at welterweight. It makes no difference what number is next to my name. I know what I’m capable of, and I know I’m still the best fighter and wrestler on planet Earth.”
Covington’s most recent UFC bout came in December 2024, when his fight against Joaquin Buckley ended via third-round doctor’s stoppage after a severe cut. That loss followed a decision defeat against former champion Leon Edwards.
Across his last four UFC appearances between 2021 and 2024, Covington holds a 1-3 record, with long stretches of inactivity contributing to the scrutiny surrounding his ranking.
Colby Covington responds to Dana White agreeing he doesn’t belong in the Top 15 at welterweight:
“Take me out of the rankings. It’s whatever. I’m still the biggest draw at welterweight.” pic.twitter.com/CVtvt5y3Ak
— MMA Fighting (@MMAFighting) January 11, 2026
Despite questions about his Octagon future, Covington made a statement at RAF 5 by overwhelming Luke Rockhold in a freestyle wrestling match. He shut down the former UFC middleweight champion with a 12-0 technical fall, reminding fans of his wrestling pedigree and competitive drive.
The win quickly shifted Covington’s focus toward a potential high-profile matchup rather than a return to standard title contention.
Covington Calls for Georges St-Pierre
“GSP is one of the GOATs of the organization,” Covington said. “GSP is the only guy that’s ahead of me on the UFC welterweight takedown list. He’s No. 1 all-time in takedowns at welterweight. I’m No. 2. So I want to settle this in the RAF mat. I think this match needs to happen. I know Georges probably still wants to compete and the fans want to see him compete.
“So GSP, let’s give the fans what they want. Come back, let’s settle it once and for all. Let’s find out who the greatest welterweight wrestler is in history on the RAF mat.”
Whether or not Covington remains ranked by the UFC, his comments suggest his priorities lie elsewhere. For now, he appears focused on visibility, legacy, and matchups that extend beyond traditional rankings.
