Colby Covington Retires from UFC as Brad Riddell and Mayra Bueno Silva Are Removed from Roster

There comes a time when certain fighters are removed from the UFC roster, and it always becomes a major talking point.

That is especially true when a big name like Colby Covington notifies the UFC of his retirement, with his profile on the organisation’s website now listed as “Retired.”

A clear indication that Covington was moving away from the UFC came when he was not featured on the proposed White House card, which “Chaos” had hoped to compete on.

The American mixed martial artist was vocal about his disappointment and frustration at not being involved in the historic event.

Another sign was his inactivity in the promotion. The 38-year-old has not fought since December 2024, when he suffered a third-round TKO defeat to Joaquin Buckley at UFC Tampa.

Fans will also remember his title shot against Leon Edwards at UFC 296, where the former American Top Team fighter waited 21 months for his opportunity after his victory over Jorge Masvidal at UFC 272.

Covington competed in three undisputed title fights but lost all of them, including two against Kamaru Usman.

However, the 22-fight veteran did capture gold in the co-main event of UFC 225, defeating Rafael dos Anjos by unanimous decision to win the interim UFC welterweight championship.

It is clear that Covington has shifted his focus away from MMA due to his involvement with wrestling promotion Real American Freestyle.

The California-born fighter has already competed twice for RAF, earning victories over former UFC middleweight champion Luke Rockhold and Dillon Danis.

Covington is set to make his third appearance later this month when he faces another former UFC middleweight champion, Chris Weidman, in the co-main event of RAF 09.

It seemed only a matter of time before the American retired from the UFC after recording just one win in his last four bouts over the past three years.

Fan favourite Brad Riddell is one of the notable names removed from the UFC roster.

“Quake” has not fought in the Octagon since November 2022, when he suffered a first-round submission loss to Renato Moicano at UFC 281.

Riddell began his UFC career strongly by winning his first four bouts, but later suffered three consecutive defeats, including losses to Rafael Fiziev and Jalin Turner.

The New Zealander is currently focused on coaching at Bangtao Muay Thai & MMA, where rising welterweight Cam Rowston recently praised his impact in the gym.

Another fighter removed from the roster is former UFC title challenger Mayra Bueno Silva.

The Brazilian is now on a five-fight losing streak following her recent defeat to Macy Chiasson at UFC Vegas 116.

“Sheetara” was never quite the same after her submission victory over Holly Holm, which was later overturned to a No Contest after she tested positive for ritalinic acid.

The 34-year-old’s release had appeared increasingly likely as her losing streak continued and she fell out of the rankings.