Former UFC welterweight champion Tyron Woodley did not hold back after reports surfaced that Colby Covington informed the UFC of his retirement.
Covington’s status on the UFC roster was recently changed from active to retired. The 38-year-old has not fought since suffering a doctor’s stoppage TKO defeat against Joaquin Buckley in December 2024.
Woodley and Covington shared a heated rivalry that peaked when they headlined a UFC event in September 2020. Covington won that matchup after Woodley suffered a rib injury late in the fight.
Woodley Questions Covington’s Persona
During an interview with New Betting Sites U.K., Woodley criticized the image Covington built throughout his UFC career. He claimed much of Covington’s rise came from controversy rather than accomplishments inside the cage. Woodley said in an interview with New Betting Sites U.K.:
“His whole brand was modeled around an act that he was such a Trump supporter,”
“Really he was just a Drake-listening, Beats headphones-wearing, hanging out in Miami, thinking he’s a gangster guy, who put on an act and a character.”
Woodley also described Covington as someone who used conflict and attention to stay relevant during a period when the UFC lacked major stars.
“Your whole thing was baiting. Colby was piggybacking that because it was causing controversy. He wanted to create his own version of being a heel but in MMA.”
Former Teammates Turned Bitter Rivals
Before becoming rivals, Woodley and Covington trained together at American Top Team. According to Woodley, tensions between them existed long before their fight was booked.
“I paid Colby weekly to be a training partner for Rory just to torture him. He was an opportunist who took advantage of a quiet moment in MMA.”
Woodley admitted Covington’s durability and conditioning were legitimate strengths, but questioned his overall work ethic in training.
“I would say he’s tough. I would say he’s durable.”
“People hated him in the gym because he wouldn’t work very hard, but he had a gas tank, and he knew staying close to you was the best for him.”
Covington Still Active In Combat Sports
Even with retirement rumors surrounding his MMA career, Covington has continued competing in Real American Freestyle events
Fresh off victories over former UFC middleweight king Luke Rockhold and submission specialist Dillon Danis, Colby Covington is gearing up for another high-profile matchup.
He is scheduled to face former UFC middleweight champion Chris Weidman in the co-main event of RAF 09, which takes place on May 30 in Dallas.
He is also rumoured to be joining MVP MMA.