Colby Covington is no longer part of the UFC welterweight top 15, bringing to an end a run that stretched back more than seven years. 

The decision to remove him follows a long period of inactivity and results that no longer support a ranked position. 

Covington has not recorded a win in over four years, and his last appearance came in December 2024, when Joaquin Buckley stopped him via doctor’s stoppage in the third round. 

He did not fight at all in 2025 and has yet to make an appearance in 2026, leaving little recent activity to justify his place among active contenders.

For months, his presence in the rankings had already been under scrutiny. At one point earlier this year, Covington even moved up the list despite not competing, a move that drew criticism from fans and observers who pointed to more active fighters being overlooked. 

Against that context, his removal feels less abrupt and more like a correction that had been building over time.

Despite his recent slump, his achievements cannot be overlooked. Covington holds wins over Jorge Masvidal, Tyron Woodley, Robbie Lawler, and Demian Maia, and he twice challenged Kamaru Usman for the undisputed welterweight title. 

Those performances once kept him firmly in the title picture, but rankings are driven by current form, of which he is lacking.

The reshuffle has opened space for emerging names. Mike Malott enters the rankings at 11th, while Yaroslav Amosov slots in at 15th. 

Their inclusion is a sign of changes in the division, part of which will see activity and momentum as a measure to push new contenders over established veterans who are no longer competing regularly.

As for Covington, the path back is straightforward but not easy. His profile still brings attention, but without recent fights, that alone is not enough to secure a place in the rankings. 

A return to the Octagon, combined with a meaningful win, is now required if he wants to re-enter the conversation in a division that continues to move forward without him.