Covington Tops Rockhold in Wrestling Debut, Eyes GSP Match

Colby Covington secured his first victory in nearly four years by dominating former UFC middleweight champion Luke Rockhold in a wrestling match at Real American Freestyle 05 on Saturday night, January 10, 2026, at Amerant Bank Arena in Sunrise, Florida.

The 37-year-old former UFC interim welterweight champion raced to a 12-0 lead before the bout ended via technical fall in the main event. Covington, a collegiate wrestling standout from Oregon State University, showcased his technical prowess against Rockhold, who entered with a size advantage from his time competing up to light heavyweight in the UFC. The win marked Covington's debut in the freestyle wrestling promotion and provided a morale boost after a string of setbacks in mixed martial arts.

Covington has not won an MMA fight since outpointing Jorge Masvidal at UFC 272 in March 2022. His most recent Octagon appearances included unanimous decision losses to Leon Edwards in December 2023 and Joaquin Buckley in December 2024, extending a two-fight skid that followed defeats to Kamaru Usman in 2021 and 2022. Currently ranked 14th in the UFC welterweight division, Covington faces scrutiny over his standing. UFC CEO Dana White...