For the first time since 2017, Colby Covington is not a ranked UFC welterweight. The three-time title challenger was finally booted from the top-15 by rising Canadian contender Mike Malott.
Malott headlined last Saturday’s UFC card in Winnipeg, knocking out Gilbert Burns to earn his place in the rankings — at Covington’s expense.
Veteran MMA reporter John Morgan has the details:
Colby Covington no longer a ranked UFC fighter
Welcome to the official welterweight rankings, @Michael_Malott!!!
With his #UFCWinnipeg victory, “Proper” Mike enters list impressively at No. 11. Additionally, @YaroslavAmosov also makes his debut at No. 15.
With two new names, Gilbert Burns and Colby Covington depart list. pic.twitter.com/g9DMh9c2iK
— John Morgan (@JohnMorgan_MMA) April 21, 2026
Malott, who now sits at No. 11 in the welterweight rankings, has gone 7-1 in the UFC welterweight division. Other highlights of his run in the promotion include wins over Kevin Holland, Charles Radtke, and Mickey Gall. His lone Octagon loss was a 2024 TKO at the hands of Neil Magny.
Covington first arrived in the UFC welterweight rankings Following a pair of wins over Dong Hyun Kim and Demian Maia in 2017. In 2018, he claimed the interim lightweight title with a win over Rafael dos Anjos. Following a win over Robbie Lawler, he then challenged Kamaru Usman for the undisputed welterweight title in 2019. He lost via fifth-round TKO in a Fight of the Year contender.
He has fought just five times since then, beating Tyron Woodley and Jorge Masvidal, losing title fights against Usman and Leon Edwards, and most recently losing to Joaquin Buckley via doctor stoppage.
Known for his unfiltered trash talk, he will probably have something to say about his removal from the rankings.
Covington does not currently have a fight booked, but has been keeping busy with wrestling matches in RAF. He’s been mentioned as a potential opponent for this reigning UFC champ.