Woodley Says Covington Built His Career Around 'An Act'

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Woodley Says Covington Built His Career Around 'An Act'

Originally posted on Dice City Sports | By Robert LaMar | Last updated May 23, 2026 4:49 PM ET

Tyron Woodley didn’t hold back when discussing the reported retirement of longtime rival Colby Covington. Following news that Covington’s UFC status had officially been changed from “active” to “retired,” Woodley delivered a brutally honest assessment of the former interim welterweight champion and the controversial persona that helped make him one of MMA’s biggest villains.

Woodley and Covington were once teammates at American Top Team before becoming bitter rivals. Their feud culminated in a UFC main event in September 2020, where Covington defeated Woodley via fifth-round TKO after Woodley suffered a rib injury.

Years later, Woodley clearly still has no respect for Covington’s public image. “His whole brand was modeled around an act,” Woodley said in an interview with New Betting Sites U.K.

Woodley accused Covington of manufacturing his outspoken political and MAGA personality purely to attract attention. “He was just a Drake-listening, Beats headphones-wearing, hanging out in Miami guy who put on an act and a character.”

Tyron Woodley GOES OFF on Colby Covington after his retirement

Image | Source: Dice City Sports

“He talked himself into positions that his record and ranking weren't ever in. The sport was quiet. Ronda was gone. Jon was chilling out. Conor was out, and nobody was there, so we were willing to listen to him.… pic.twitter.com/AhRS8EPTvO

— ACD MMA (@acdmma_) May 22, 2026

“An Opportunist”

Woodley repeatedly described Covington as someone who capitalized on a lack of stars during a quieter era in MMA. “He talked himself into positions that his record and ranking weren’t ever in,” Woodley claimed.

He also argued Covington’s rise coincided with the temporary absence or inactivity of several major UFC stars, including:

Ronda Rousey
Jon Jones
Conor McGregor

Still Gives Covington Credit For Toughness

Despite the criticism, Woodley acknowledged Covington’s durability and cardio. “I would say he’s tough. I would say he’s durable.”

However, he also claimed Covington frustrated training partners during his ATT days. “People hated him in the gym because he wouldn’t work very hard, but he had a gas tank.”

Woodley even revealed he once paid Covington to work as a training partner for Rory MacDonald.

Covington Still Active Outside UFC

Although retired from UFC competition, Covington remains involved in combat sports through Real American Freestyle.

He recently picked up wrestling victories over:

Luke Rockhold
Dillon Danis

Covington is also scheduled to face Chris Weidman at RAF 09 on May 30 in Dallas.

Whether his UFC retirement becomes permanent remains unclear, but if this truly is the end of his Octagon career, Covington leaves behind one of the most divisive legacies in modern MMA history.

This article first appeared on Dice City Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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