Colby Covington Makes Surprise Appearance at UFC 313: What’s Next for “Chaos”?
The fighting world got a glimpse of Colby Covington at UFC 313 this past weekend, as the controversial welterweight was spotted at T-Mobile Arena during the Pereira vs. Ankalaev card. While he wasn’t competing that night, his presence immediately sparked speculation about his next move in the UFC landscape.
It’s been a minute since we’ve seen “Chaos” in action. After his disappointing performance against Leon Edwards at UFC 296 last December, Covington has kept a relatively low profile—at least by his standards.
Why Covington’s Appearance Matters
Whenever Colby shows up at a UFC event, it’s rarely just to enjoy the fights. The former interim welterweight champion is known for his calculated appearances, often setting the stage for his next rivalry or title shot campaign.
I couldn’t help but notice how Covington seemed to be studying the fights with unusual intensity. Was he scouting potential opponents? Looking for weaknesses in the welterweight division’s elite? Or simply reminding fans and fighters alike that he’s still very much in the title picture?
Potential Matchups for Covington’s Return
The welterweight division remains one of UFC’s most competitive weight classes, and several intriguing matchups could make sense for Covington’s return:
- Belal Muhammad – Assuming he loses to Leon Edwards, this fight would pit two top contenders against each other in a high-stakes eliminator
- Shavkat Rakhmonov – The undefeated rising star versus the veteran provocateur would be a classic new school vs. old school matchup
- Gilbert Burns – A rescheduling of their previously canceled bout that many fans still want to see
Covington’s Last Performance: What Went Wrong?
Before discussing what’s next, it’s worth analyzing what happened in his last outing. Against Edwards, Covington looked hesitant and unable to implement his usual pressure-heavy wrestling approach. The usually cardio-rich fighter appeared to slow down considerably as the fight progressed.
This performance raised questions about whether Covington, now 36, might be approaching the twilight of his career. Or was it simply a bad stylistic matchup against the technically superior Edwards?
| Fighter | Age | Record | Last Fight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Colby Covington | 36 | 17-4 | Loss to Leon Edwards (Dec 2023) |
Can Covington Still Contend for UFC Gold?
That’s the million-dollar question. Despite his controversial persona, there’s no denying Covington’s skills. His cardio, wrestling, and improved striking have made him one of the most complete fighters in the division.
However, with two failed title shots against Kamaru Usman and another unsuccessful bid against Edwards, the path back to championship contention looks increasingly difficult. The division isn’t getting any easier with killers like Rakhmonov and Khamzat Chimaev on the rise.
You have to wonder if Covington is considering a move to middleweight. With his frame and wrestling pedigree, it’s not outside the realm of possibility—especially considering how crowded the welterweight title picture has become.
The Business Side: Why UFC Still Needs Covington
Love him or hate him (and let’s be honest, many fans love to hate him), Covington moves the needle. His brash persona and willingness to play the villain have made him one of UFC’s most reliable draws.
The UFC needs personalities who can sell fights, and Covington has proven time and again that he can do exactly that. His presence at UFC 313 serves as a reminder that he remains an important piece in the promotion’s marketing puzzle.
What’s Next for “Chaos”?
While nothing has been officially announced, I expect we’ll see Covington back in the Octagon before the end of the year. The timing of his appearance at UFC 313 suggests he’s ready to begin his next campaign.
The big question is: who will stand across from him? Will the UFC match him with another top contender, or will they use his name value to boost an up-and-coming prospect?
One thing’s for certain—Covington’s next fight announcement will generate buzz, controversy, and interest. In the fight game, that’s a currency as valuable as championship gold.
Fan Reaction to Covington’s Appearance
The T-Mobile Arena crowd seemed to have a mixed reaction to Covington’s presence—some cheers, plenty of boos, but definitely not indifference. That’s the Colby effect in a nutshell.
On social media, his appearance sparked immediate speculation, with fans debating potential matchups and wondering about his current standing in the UFC hierarchy.
Final Thoughts: The Covington Factor
As we wait for official news on Covington’s next move, his appearance at UFC 313 serves as a reminder that in MMA, sometimes the biggest stories happen outside the cage. For a fighter who understands the promotional side of the sport as well as Covington does, simply showing up is often part of a larger strategy.
Whether you’re a fan or a critic, keep your eyes on “Chaos” in the coming weeks. If history is any indication, his next move will be calculated, controversial, and completely on-brand.
What do you think about Covington’s future in the UFC? Who would you like to see him face next? Drop your thoughts in the comments below!
Source: MMA Sucka