Colby Covington suffered severe damage during his first bid for an undisputed UFC title. The outspoken American fighter never captured the sport’s biggest prize. He received three separate chances at the championship. Covington earned his first opportunity on December 14, 2019. He entered the bout after a short interim title reign. He challenged Kamaru Usman at UFC 245.
The UFC staged the event at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. The card closed the promotion’s pay-per-view calendar that year. Usman and Covington delivered a relentless main event. Both fighters exchanged constant pressure and volume. The contest quickly turned into a punishing battle.
Kamaru Usman broke Covington down in a five-round war
Kamaru Usman emerged victorious after sustained dominance. He matched Covington’s pace and exceeded his power. Usman punished Covington throughout the fight. He sealed the win with a late stoppage. Referee Marc Goddard halted the contest with less than one minute remaining. Usman had dropped Covington and unleashed hammerfists on the canvas.
The finishing sequence followed extensive damage. Covington suffered a broken jaw during the bout. Slow-motion footage appeared to capture the decisive punch. The strike seemed to fracture the center of his mandible. Covington later denied that exact moment caused the injury. The promotion still confirmed the fracture after the fight.
Rafael dos Anjos describes a recovery he would not wish on anyone
Former lightweight champion Rafael dos Anjos shared his own experience. Dos Anjos once sustained the same jaw injury. He explained the physical and mental toll. He said he would not wish it on his worst enemy. He stressed the mindset required to return.
Dos Anjos expressed hope that Covington continues fighting. He explained that many athletes retire after such trauma. He described the injury as deeply challenging. Dos Anjos needed six months before resuming training. He waited nearly ten months before fighting again.
Colby Covington endured another beating in his last Octagon appearance
One year has passed since Covington last fought. He again exited the cage visibly battered. Covington lost to Leon Edwards in his third failed title attempt. That defeat ended hopes of immediate redemption. Joaquin Buckley then crushed any remaining momentum.
Buckley dominated Covington at UFC Tampa in December 2024. He controlled the fight from start to finish. Covington absorbed heavy strikes and constant pressure. Blood streamed across his face as the bout continued. A doctor eventually stopped the contest. Covington has not competed during 2025. He now targets a return at the planned White House event next June.
