Full Breakdown
Colby Covington Voices Frustration Over Exclusion From UFC Freedom 250
4/29/2026, 1:18:14 AM
The Exclusion From the White House Card
Welterweight contender Colby “Chaos” Covington was not booked for UFC Freedom 250, a June 14, 2025 event scheduled on the White House grounds in Washington, DC. Covington publicly questioned the decision, noting that prior discussions with UFC officials had suggested a “shoe-in” placement on the historic card.
Background: Recent Fight History and Real American Freestyle
Covington’s last UFC bout was a loss to Joaquin Buckley on Dec 14, 2024 at UFC Fight Night in Tampa, stopped by a cut in round 3. In Jan 2025 he joined Real American Freestyle (RAF), a wrestling promotion founded by the late Hulk Hogan. He posted technical-fall wins over Luke Rockhold (12-0) and Dillon Danis (14-4) and is set to fight Chris Weidman on May 30, 2025.
Timeline of Key Events
- Dec 14 2024: Loss to Joaquin Buckley (UFC Fight Night, Tampa).
- Jan 10 2025: RAF debut, technical fall vs. Luke Rockhold.
- Mar 28 2025: RAF win vs. Dillon Danis (technical fall).
- May 16 2025: MVP MMA inaugural event (Rousey vs Carano).
- May 30 2025: Upcoming RAF showdown vs. Chris Weidman.
- Jun 14 2025: UFC Freedom 250 – Covington omitted.
Data & Statistics
UFC record: 12-5; MMA record: 17-5. Dec 2024 loss: stopped in round 3 due to cut. RAF technical-fall scores: 12-0 (Rockhold) and 14-4 (Danis).
Official Statements & UFC Position
UFC officials have not provided a reason for Covington’s omission. Covington recalled talks with UFC executive Hunter Campbell, who told him, “We’re going to find the right matchup, we’re going to get you on The White House card…”. The organization’s silence leaves the rationale unconfirmed.
Criticism & Opposition
Former UFC star Bo Nickal claims Covington turned down a fight on the Freedom 250 card, implying the omission was his choice, not a UFC decision. This contradicts Covington’s assertion that he was a “shoe-in” who was snubbed.
On-the-Ground Report: Golf-Course Interview
During a Swing Rounds episode at Crescent Oaks Golf Club in Tarpon Springs, Fla., Covington said, “Every fan thought I was a shoe-in… How are we not putting a guy who loves his country so much on 250th anniversary celebration of America?” He framed the exclusion as a missed patriotic showcase.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
The discrepancy lies between Covington’s claim of a promised placement and the UFC’s silence, versus Nickal’s allegation that Covington declined the fight. No official UFC comment clarifies the decision, leaving the cause of the snub unresolved.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Every fan thought I was a shoe-in,” — Colby Covington, welterweight fighter
- “I thought I was a shoe-in. The talks I was having with Hunter Campbell and UFC was 'We're going to find the right matchup, we're going to get you on The White House card. You can fight in front of your hero, Donald Trump, and put on a show for America.' I thought I was a shoe-in, the American guy.” — Colby Covington, welterweight fighter
- “How are we not putting a guy who loves his country so much on the 250th anniversary celebration of America?,” — Colby Covington, welterweight fighter
- “I just didn't understand how they didn't put me on it.” — Colby Covington, welterweight fighter
What’s Next
Covington is slated to face Chris Weidman at RAF 09 on May 30, 2025 and will appear at MVP MMA’s May 16 showcase featuring Rousey vs Carano. His future UFC prospects remain uncertain pending clarification of the Freedom 250 decision.
