Former interim UFC welterweight champion Colby Covington has decided he needs no formal celebration before hanging up his gloves. Saying simply, “I know I’m loved,” Covington is content with a less ceremonious exit from MMA’s biggest stage.
Colby Covington tells UFC not to prepare a send-off after his retirement: ‘I know I’m loved’
Key Takeaways:
- Covington opts for a low-key departure instead of a grand send-off.
- He asserts confidence by stating, “I know I’m loved.”
- He is a former interim UFC welterweight champion.
- The article was reported by Bloody Elbow on May 29, 2026.
Covington’s Retirement Decision
Colby Covington, a former interim UFC welterweight champion, has revealed that he does not want the UFC to plan a send-off when he steps away from the Octagon. According to the athlete, he is completely satisfied with a quiet departure from mixed martial arts’ highest-profile promotion.
“I Know I’m Loved”
Echoing his characteristic self-assurance, Covington confidently stated, “I know I’m loved.” While many high-level fighters look forward to retirement celebrations, Covington insists such recognition is unnecessary for him. He believes that he already enjoys unspoken support from fans and peers alike.
Former Interim Champion Status
Covington’s impact on the welterweight division is clear: he once held the interim title, a testament to his skill and drive in competitive MMA. This background makes his decision to forgo a formal farewell all the more notable, underscoring his desire for a simple, unobtrusive exit.
A Low-Key Departure
Though some might have expected an outgoing personality like Covington to embrace fanfare, he appears content to leave the sport on his own terms. Few details have been given about the specifics of when he will retire, but it is clear he sees no need to close his UFC tenure with any large-scale farewell.