Colby Covington is one of the most controversial fighters in recent UFC history. Known for his aggressive style inside the octagon and his fiery statements outside of it, the American has built a career full of controversies. 'Chaos', as his nickname suggests, headlines UFC Tampa and faces Joaquin Buckley in the main fight this Saturday (14).
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In his MMA career, Covington didn't just beat opponents, he also provoked rivals, fans and even public figures with his harsh and often disrespectful speeches.
"Chaos," as he is known, became a master of provocation. Throughout his career, he was never afraid to use words to stand out, even when they crossed the line of what was acceptable. SUPER LUTAS recalls the main controversies that marked his career, from insults to Brazilian fans to his fights with other fighters, and controversial statements on social issues.
The 'garbage dump' and the 'filthy animals' – The controversy with Brazil
Colby Covington 's first major controversy occurred shortly after his victory against Demian Maia at UFC São Paulo in 2017. The event, which took place in territory traditionally favorable to Brazilian fighters, became a stage for Covington's provocations.
After the victory, the fighter made a statement that caused a wave of repudiation in Brazil: “Brazil, you are stupid. Whatever you think doesn’t matter. You are filthy animals.”
Covington's words generated an immediate reaction of displeasure from fans and Brazilians in general.
The rivalry with Brazil, however, was just beginning. The American continued to fuel this animosity, making clear his contempt for the Brazilian fans and making even harsher statements about the country and its people. The episode went down as one of the most controversial moments of his career and helped solidify his status as a villain within the UFC.
“BRAZIL YOU'RE A DUMP!”
“All you filthy animals suck!”
The moment Colby Covington ’s heel turn was fully complete… #UFC245 | December 14 | BT Sport 1 HD pic.twitter.com/0v6TOZSBMK
— UFC on TNT Sports (@ufcontnt) December 9, 2019
Fight with Fabricio Werdum
Covington's antipathy towards Brazilians wasn't limited to words. After the event in São Paulo, the fighter became involved in a new controversy with former heavyweight champion Fabricio Werdum.
The meeting took place at a UFC hotel in Australia, where Werdum, apparently irritated by Covington's statements about Brazil, threw a boomerang in his direction.
After the incident, Covington did not apologize and, on the contrary, continued to feed his image as a 'villain'. When asked about the situation, he stated that the provocations were part of his strategy to stay relevant within the UFC, and that, without them, his career could have been shorter.
@FabricioWerdum attacks @ColbyCovMMA with a boomerang outside the hotel for UFC Sydney! pic.twitter.com/MCadJmCaXu
— Dan Hangman Hooker (@danthehangman) November 16, 2017
Matt Hughes accident
Another controversial episode involving Colby Covington occurred after his victory over Robbie Lawler in 2019. During the post-fight press conference, the 'loudmouth' took the opportunity to make a heavy provocation.
He compared Lawler to his friend Matt Hughes , a former UFC champion who suffered a near-fatal accident in 2017 when he was hit by a train while driving.
“Let’s talk about the lesson we learned tonight: Robbie should have learned from his good friend Matt Hughes . You get derailed when the train is passing by,” the wrestler said during the interview.
The insinuation about Polyana Viana
In 2021, Covington was once again the target of controversy when he insinuated that he had an intimate relationship with UFC fighter Polyana Viana . In an interview with the Submission Radio program, the American made comments implying that, during his training for a fight, he had a sexual encounter with the Brazilian.
“We didn’t have many conversations (about fighting with Leon Edwards ). I was having sex with Polyana Viana ,” said Covington.
The situation caused great discomfort for Polyana, who, in a subsequent interview, confirmed that she had indeed had a relationship with Covington, but openly criticized the fighter's attitude in exposing the relationship. She stated that she was unaware of the negative reputation in Brazil, but that she was bothered by the fighter's lack of respect.
Polyana Viana sees Colby Covington ! pic.twitter.com/lf3PVCPfRK
— Kimura (@kimurasport) March 4, 2021
Rivalry with Jorge Masvidal
In one of the most intense rivalries of his career, Colby got into a fight with Jorge Masvidal after UFC 272 in 2022. Before that, the two had been training partners at American Top Team, but they drifted apart after disputes over prominence in the gym. The fight at UFC 272 , which ended with Covington winning by unanimous decision, was just the culmination of a rivalry that extended beyond the octagon.
After the fight, the two fighters met at a restaurant in Las Vegas, where they exchanged insults and shoves. The fight, recorded by the police, resulted in a lot of exposure on social media and generated yet another controversial episode in the life of the UFC 'villain'.
Colby Covington ’s chipped tooth from his altercation with Jorge Masvidal in Miami. pic.twitter.com/DuMNoPYd5m
— MMA History Today (@MMAHistoryToday) May 2, 2022
LeBron James vs. Diddy Showdown
In the days leading up to UFC Tampa , Colby Covington once again stole the spotlight by taunting NBA star LeBron James and music mogul Sean 'Diddy' Combs.
During the event's Media Day, Covington made a series of comments directed at LeBron, questioning his actions and views on the police.
“I’m gonna start this here, since I’m the man of the moment, the man of the show. I wanna ask LeBron: What did he mean when he said, ‘There’s no party like a Diddy party’? I want to know for real. Not only that, LeBron, how many Diddy parties have you been to? I’m curious. Is that why you left social media? It’s pathetic, man. People think this guy is a role model. He wants to dismantle the police, the most patriotic people in America serving and protecting our country. LeBron, you’re a f***ing idiot and I hope you end up in the same cell as Diddy,” Chaos said.
With a lifestyle that displays the most luxurious, P. Diddy, a musician arrested in September of this year, became famous for revealing big names in music, in addition to his extravagant parties, attended by big celebrities, including the star LeBron James.
However, his life was also marked by several controversies and serious accusations, which include investigations into sexual abuse and trafficking, bribery, use of drugs for coercion, fraud, physical violence against women and even involvement in arson.
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