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Colby Covington’s ambitions in the welterweight division might be nearing their end. After suffering three losses in his past four fights, including setbacks in title opportunities, the 37-year-old former interim champion is contemplating a fresh start in a higher weight class.
Despite previously flirting with the idea of moving down to lightweight, Covington has firmly ruled out a drop to 155 pounds.
“Colby’s thought about moving down to lightweight for many years, and Colby realized he doesn’t want to kill himself,” Covington told Submission Radio.
Highlighting the health risks associated with severe weight cuts, Covington criticized fighters who use their size advantage at lightweight, labeling them as “weight bullies.” Instead, he now sees middleweight as a potentially exciting destination.
“I don’t see myself ever going to 155, even though I know I could make it and I’d probably be way stronger than the guys on fight night,” he said. “But ’85? Honestly, ’85 is intriguing. I think it would be kind of cool to go up there with a narrative of, ‘Oh, this guy is a small ’70, he’s going to go up to ’85 and take on an even bigger challenge.’”
Covington expressed interest in facing Sean Strickland, a former UFC middleweight champion, as a potential matchup at 185 pounds. Strickland, who defeated Israel Adesanya to claim the belt in September 2023, is set for a rematch against current champion Dricus Du Plessis at UFC 312 in Australia.
“The Sean Strickland fight is always interesting,” Covington said. “He’s had things to say about me in the past. I don’t think he’s anything special. He’s got a jab, he’s got a front kick. But you shut those things down, he’s very limited. He’s a cardio fighter. He’s just a cardio kickboxer, essentially.”
While middleweight remains an enticing option, Covington hasn’t entirely closed the door on welterweight. If he stays, he’s eager to face former title challenger Gilbert Burns, who has shown interest in the fight.
With his career at a crossroads, Covington remains open to exploring all avenues to secure marquee matchups, regardless of the weight class.
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