Booted from the octagon, Colby Covington faces Stark challenge: ‘We both suck’

Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC

Colby Covington may have to adjust his expectations for his next UFC fight following recent developments.

It’s been 16 months since the former interim welterweight champion last appeared in the Octagon, and the time away has now cost him his spot in the rankings.

Covington was removed from the UFC rankings on Tuesday, with Mike Malott and Yaroslav Amosov stepping in to take the places of both ‘Chaos’ and Gilbert Burns.

It’s still unclear how this change will affect Covington’s plans for a return, but one prospect has already put himself forward by addressing where Covington currently stands.

Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC

Ramiz Brahimaj targets Colby Covington fight after both fighters drop out of UFC rankings

Covington’s run in the top 15 is over following the latest rankings update, and it’s been quite a while since he was a consistent presence in the division. He had also faced criticism after pushing for a spot on the White House card earlier this year, though his request was turned down.

Now without a ranking next to his name, Covington may need to look outside the top 15 for his next matchup. Ramiz Brahimaj is hoping he gets that opportunity.

The New York native posted on X: “@ColbyCovMMA we are both coming off losses and we both suck,” taking an unconventional route to challenge Covington.

Brahimaj has won three of his last four fights. His most recent bout ended in defeat to Punahele Soriano at UFC Houston back in February. Before that, he stopped Austin Vanderford, spoiling the former Bellator fighter’s UFC debut.

Covington, meanwhile, hasn’t fought since December 2024 when he was stopped by Joaquin Buckley at UFC Atlantic City. That loss extended a rough patch that included defeats to Kamaru Usman (twice) and Leon Edwards during his unsuccessful title runs.