Dana White responds to Colby Covington’s frustration over UFC White House card omission

Photo by Mike Roach/Zuffa LLC

Colby Covington recently stated that he hadn’t been offered a UFC White House fight, and Dana White has now responded to those claims.

Colby Covington, the former UFC interim welterweight champion, has made it clear in recent months that he’s unhappy with how the promotion has handled things.

The 38-year-old was furious after being left off the UFC White House card, as he felt certain he would be included in such a historic event.

That frustration hasn’t died down either. He’s repeatedly criticised the promotion and even said the UFC tries to force fighters into matchups they aren’t interested in taking.

White responds to Covington’s latest remarks

Photo by Mat Hayward/Getty Images

Covington hasn’t fought in the UFC since 2024, but has taken part in two Real American Freestyle Wrestling matches since then to keep himself in the spotlight.

UFC president Dana White addressed the comments recently, explaining that there’s a reason why Covington wasn’t booked for the June 14 event.

Speaking at the UFC 327 post-fight press conference, White said:

“Yeah, of course there’s the whole Colby thing. Every time you hear something publicly from these guys and ‘oh this didn’t happen, that didn’t happen’, always remember this — this is common sense — we have to get these guys three fights a year. If we don’t, we have to pay them even if they don’t fight.”

“We’re always offering guys fights and if he didn’t make it on the White House card, there’s absolutely positively a reason… What we don’t do is f— guys over and just let them sit around and ‘no we’re not gonna give you a fight’.”

He went on: “It’s the exact opposite. We’re doing 44 cards a year; people fall out all the time; the list goes on and on. Everybody is being offered fights.”

Budding contender Bo Nickal was also scheduled for that event and claimed that Covington had turned down an offer to face him.

Whether Covington will return to MMA remains uncertain as he continues his stint with RAF.

Read more:

• Tom Aspinall’s teammate believes Alex Pereira turned down a chance to face the heavyweight champion
• UFC White House card sparks debate as Dana White responds to critics
• Jiri Prochazka explains what was said during UFC 327 talks after his loss to Carlos Ulberg