Colby Covington hints at WWE future after UFC retirement and Real American Freestyle switch

Colby Covington confirms WWE discussions after UFC exit

Colby Covington, the former UFC Interim Welterweight champion, has teased a possible move to WWE after retiring from MMA earlier this year. Speaking to Brian Mazique, Covington confirmed he’s had conversations with Triple H and WWE brass about a future in wrestling.

The 38-year-old, who fought in the UFC from 2014 to 2026, now trains with Real American Freestyle (RAF) and has invested in the promotion. While he’s all-in on RAF, Covington left the door open for a return to the UFC or even a WWE run down the line.

What did Covington say about WWE?

Covington made the remarks during a recent interview, stressing that nothing is set in stone. He called the WWE talks a “potential possibility” but insisted his immediate focus is on RAF and his upcoming match against Arman Tsarukyan on 18 June.

“I’ve had some calls with Triple H and the WWE, so that’s a potential possibility in the future as well,” Covington told Mazique. “But I’m all in on RAF; I invested my hard-earned money that I earned fighting into RAF to get a little small equity percentage and I care about the future.”

Why this matters for Covington’s career shift

The UFC-UFC merger in 2023 created new ties between WWE and the UFC, and Covington’s name now sits at the center of that crossover. His retirement from the octagon in 2026 marked the end of a 12-year run, capped by his interim title win in 2022.

RAF represents Covington’s next competitive outlet, and his financial stake shows he’s betting on the sport’s growth. The WWE angle adds another layer, tying his combat-sports legacy to wrestling’s biggest stage.

What comes next for Colby Covington?

Covington’s next fight looms large: he faces Arman Tsarukyan on 18 June, a bout that could define his early RAF career. Beyond that, he’s open to big-money UFC returns or a WWE tryout-though nothing’s locked in.

“You never know what the future holds and what tomorrow holds,” Covington said. “All I can do is control what I can control today, and that’s just my hard training and preparing for Arman Tsarukyan.”

For now, Covington’s path splits between MMA’s technical grind and wrestling’s spectacle, with both doors left ajar.