Colby Covington suffered serious damage during his first attempt at winning an undisputed UFC title. The polarizing American fighter never captured the top prize in the promotion. He received three chances to do so across his career. Covington earned his first opportunity on December 14, 2019. He entered the fight after a short reign as interim champion. He challenged Kamaru Usman at UFC 245.
The event took place at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. It delivered a dramatic ending to the UFC pay-per-view calendar that year. Usman and Covington produced a brutal main event. Both fighters pushed relentless pressure for nearly five rounds. Fans later described the fight as a full-scale war.
Kamaru Usman emerged victorious after a punishing battle
Kamaru Usman ultimately claimed victory in the main event. He imposed steady damage throughout the contest. Usman overwhelmed Covington with pace and power. He finished the fight in dramatic fashion. Referee Marc Goddard stopped the bout with less than one minute remaining. Usman had dropped Covington and landed repeated hammerfists on the ground.
The damage extended well beyond the final sequence. Covington suffered a broken jaw during the fight. Slow-motion footage appeared to show the exact punch that caused the injury. The strike seemed to fracture the middle of his mandible. Covington later disputed the exact moment of the injury. The promotion still confirmed the broken jaw after the bout.
Rafael dos Anjos explains the brutal reality of the injury
Former lightweight champion Rafael dos Anjos spoke about the seriousness of such damage. Dos Anjos once suffered a similar jaw injury himself. He earned firsthand knowledge of the recovery process. He said he would not wish that experience on his worst enemy. He emphasized the mental strength required to return.
Dos Anjos said recovery demands patience and resilience. He expressed hope that Covington continues fighting. He explained that many athletes retire after such injuries. He described the injury as deeply discouraging. Dos Anjos needed six months before resuming training. He waited nearly ten months before competing again.
Colby Covington absorbed heavy punishment in his most recent fight
One year has now passed since Covington last competed inside the Octagon. He again left the cage badly damaged. Covington lost to Leon Edwards in his third failed title attempt. That defeat crushed hopes of another immediate opportunity. Joaquin Buckley then ended those ambitions decisively.
Buckley dominated Covington at UFC Tampa in December 2024. He controlled the fight from the opening moments. Covington absorbed sustained punishment and heavy strikes. Blood covered his face as the fight progressed. The doctor eventually stopped the contest. Covington has not fought during 2025. He now targets a return at the planned White House event next June.
