Colby Covington Fighting Style: Was the UFC Star a D1 Wrestler?

Just like his nickname, Colby Covington is a whirlwind of ‘Chaos’ both inside and outside the Octagon. Known for his relentless trash talk and antics in the build-up to his fights, Covington has proven he is an elite welterweight by winning the interim title in 2018. With wins over names like Tyron Woodley, Robbie Lawler, Demian Maia and Jorge Masvidal, Covington’s fighting style has left some of the best welterweights on the planet in a world of trouble.

But what makes Covington stand out? How does his style leave opponents gasping for air, both literally and metaphorically? Let’s dive into the world of this polarizing fighter and uncover what fuels his ‘Chaos’ once the cage doors lock behind him!

What type of fighter is Colby Covington?

Whether it’s his relentless pace, precision strikes, or grappling wizardry, Colby Covington brings a layered arsenal to his fights. Fighting out of a southpaw stance primarily, his striking is built on instinct and evolution. While not being known as a power puncher, ‘Chaos’ chooses to instead rely on his incredible cardio to unleash a torrent of punches at a large volume to overwhelm his opponents.

Like former champ-champ and stand-out wrestler Daniel Cormier, he often lets his momentum carry him forward, flowing seamlessly into takedown attempts. But it’s not just his fists doing the talking. The former interim champion also tends to use a mix of calf kicks and snap kicks up the middle to disrupt his opponent’s rhythm.

But with that being said, wrestling remains Covington’s strongest weapon. His ability to chain takedowns and transitions is top-tier. Whether it’s a double-leg takedown, body lock, or single-leg attack, ‘Chaos’ doesn’t just wrestle; he dominates. His ability to sprawl and counter takedowns, as shown against Demian Maia, demonstrates his defensive grappling prowess.

With a mixture of the above-mentioned tools in his arsenal, Colby Covington has the ability to drown almost any fighter that steps into the Octagon against him. As his wrestling skills allow him to take the fight to the mat, his Brazilian Jiu-jitsu accolades allow him to constantly threaten submissions and open up opportunities with his ground and pound.

What BJJ belt is the UFC star?

Colby Covington’s grappling credentials aren’t just impressive—they’re elite. He earned his black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in April 2023 under Daniel Valverde, adding another weapon to his arsenal. His lineage traces back to legends like Carlos Gracie and Osvaldo Alves, making his BJJ roots as solid as his wrestling foundation.

It’s interesting to note that ‘Chaos’ hasn’t secured a UFC win via submission since his rear-naked choke finish of Jonathan Meunier in 2016. But that also speaks volumes about the problems that his wrestling and pace pose for his opponents as he currently has a 58% decision rate on Tapology, a testament to his overwhelming pressure inside the Octagon.

Covington’s ability to flatten opponents and force openings is a testament to his wrestling-transitional style and his BJJ credentials help him avoid getting caught in submissions being thrown his way, as well. After all, it was his time on the wrestling mats that helped him make his to the bright lights of the UFC and becoming an elite welterweight!

Colby Covington’s amateur wrestling & D1 record

Before the UFC came calling, Colby Covington’s wrestling pedigree laid the foundation for his success. At Thurston High School, he captured a state championship as a senior in 2006 and lettered for all 4 years, setting the stage for his journey to collegiate wrestling. Although he faced challenges, including a detour to Iowa Central Community College due to academic hurdles, Covington’s talent shone through.

As a freshman, he went undefeated, clinching the 2007 165-pound national junior college title with a 34-0 record. His roommate at the time? Future UFC GOAT candidate, Jon Jones! After transferring to Oregon State University with a stint at the University of Iowa in between, Covington earned All-American honors and became a two-time Pac-10 conference champion. At the 2010 NCAA championships, ‘Chaos’ went 2-2 and in the 2011 championships, he went 7-4 placing 5th at 174 lbs.

Whether it’s his suffocating grappling, high-volume striking, or controversial personality, Covington continues to be a polarizing force inside and outside the Octagon. Now, at UFC on ESPN 63/UFC Tampa, ‘Chaos’ will return to action against Joaquin Buckley after being on the sidelines for a year since his loss to Leon Edwards at UFC 296. But the question lingers, can he take the spot at the top of the welterweight division? Or will his time away prove costly in a division stacked with rising stars and hungry challengers? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!