Colby Covington's fighting style: A deep dive into his style

Image Source: UFC (December 2024)

This article in a nutshell:

• Colby Covington’s fighting style combines relentless pressure, exceptional cardio, and dominant wrestling to control the pace of his bouts. His high-volume striking complements his grappling skills, forcing opponents to stay defensive while he accumulates points and creates opportunities for finishes. This strategic blend makes him a formidable force in the UFC's welterweight division.

Colby "Chaos" Covington, a prominent figure in the UFC's welterweight division, is renowned for his relentless pressure, exceptional cardio, and dominant wrestling abilities. His fighting style is a strategic blend of high-volume striking and grappling, designed to overwhelm opponents and control the pace of the fight.

Wrestling prowess and grappling

Covington's foundation in wrestling is a cornerstone of his approach inside the Octagon. As a former NCAA Division I All-American wrestler, he utilizes his grappling skills to execute frequent takedowns, aiming to dominate opponents on the ground through submissions and ground-and-pound tactics. This strategy often leaves adversaries struggling to regain their footing, allowing Covington to maintain control and dictate the fight's tempo.

Striking and stand-up game

While primarily a grappler, Covington's stand-up game is characterized by volume and forward pressure. Fighting out of a southpaw stance, he employs a diverse array of punches and kicks, often overextending on strikes to seamlessly transition into takedown attempts. This approach keeps opponents on the defensive, as they must constantly anticipate both striking and grappling threats.

Cardio and endurance

One of Covington's most notable attributes is his exceptional cardiovascular conditioning. He is capable of sustaining an intense pace over five rounds, utilizing his superior cardio to apply relentless pressure that wears down opponents both mentally and physically. This endurance allows him to execute his high-pressure game plan effectively throughout the duration of the fight.

Strategic implementation

Covington's fighting style is a calculated amalgamation of his wrestling background and improved striking capabilities. By maintaining a high output of strikes and consistently threatening with takedowns, he forces opponents into a reactive state, limiting their offensive opportunities. This strategy not only accumulates points on the judges' scorecards but also creates openings for finishing the fight through submissions or ground-and-pound.

In summary, Colby Covington's fighting style is defined by relentless pressure, superior wrestling, and exceptional cardio. His ability to blend high-volume striking with effective grappling makes him a formidable opponent in the welterweight division, capable of dictating the pace and direction of his bouts.