Chaos by name, Chaos by nature. Colby Covington has been in the headlines constantly this week following his RAF 5 victory over former UFC middleweight champion, Luke Rockhold.
One of the things that Covington (and Rockhold) did that grabbed headlines was use the press conference as an opportunity to rip into UFC golden boy, Bo Nickal.
We know Nickal is a UFC favourite and perhaps Colby Covington going after the wrestling phenom angered the UFC brass.
Speaking to Robbie from Barstool sports, UFC president Dana White was discussing none other than Colby Covington. When posed the question:
“How does a guy like that stay in the top 15 for years?” (after making a valid point that he’s fought (and lost) once in 752 days, with his last win coming in March 2022).
White responded, stating:
“It’s a great point“.
‼️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
Colby Covington Hits Back at Dana White
At the presser following his dominant win over Rockhold, Colby Covington made one thing very clear. He isn’t concerned with a UFC ranking, nor the opinion of Dana White. The former interim welterweight champion said:
“It really doesn’t matter what Dana White thinks of me. I’m a world champion. I’m Donald Trump’s favourite fighter. I’m America’s champion. I’m the king of Miami. You can never take those titles away from me.”
There’s no denying that Covington idolises the president with his X account almost acting as a shrine to President Donald Trump. 
As for his reaction to questions about his ranking, he responded by saying:
“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”.
Evidence does suggest that Covington is still a draw in the welterweight division. He’s been the headliner in every fight he’s featured in since 2019, of which four have been PPVs. It’s worth noting, however, that he’s 3-4 in those seven fights, so his claims of being the best fighter on the planet are far-fetched.
Covington and White have always had a good relationship; however, recent events may have strained that relationship.
