Retired? Think again — Colby Covington names 5 shock matchups he’s chasing

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Retired? Think again — Colby Covington names 5 shock matchups he’s chasing

Originally posted on HITC | By Jordan Ellis | Last updated May 28, 2026 8:54 PM ET

Colby Covington is still looking to measure himself against the best, even after stepping away from MMA.

The former interim welterweight champion’s removal from the UFC roster came as a surprise last week.

Covington was taken off the UFC roster in April following a defeat to Leon Edwards at UFC 296. Since then, he hasn’t fought and has openly criticised Dana White and BMF champion Max Holloway.

Colby Covington confirmed on Wednesday that he’s retired from MMA, though he hasn’t completely ruled out a return. For now, Covington’s focus has shifted to competing in wrestling with Real American Freestyle (RAF).

Covington reveals his top five dream opponents

During an appearance on The Ariel Helwani Show, Covington shared his list of five UFC stars he’d like to face in grappling matches.

“So, number one is a countryman of your country, Georges St-Pierre,” he said.

“Nothing’s ever going to substitute him. He’s the goat of the UFC, the goat of the welterweight division, so, of course, I want Georges St-Pierre. I want to see him back on that mat. I know the fans want to see him. We love him. I love him. Everybody respects him, so I would love to see ‘GSP’.

“Number two, probably Arman [Tsarukyan]. He’s talked a lot of smack and ran his mouth and said this and that, so I’d love to see Arman.

“Number three would be [Kamaru] Usman. This trilogy needs to happen. We have unfinished business from our UFC days, and I know I’m a better athlete than him, so I want to prove it. I want to prove the test of time that I’m a better athlete and a better winner.

“Khamzat, number four, and then number five, maybe that cross-eyed. What’s his name? That Palestinian, can’t remember his name. Uh, Belal Muhammad.”