The Curious Case of Colby Covington

[B-Level]

What is about Colby Covington that makes him popular and gives him the ability to trigger so many MMA/UFC fans?

he’s fought 5 times since August 2019 (just under 4 years ago). He’s 3-2, with two of those victories over older guys that are on a steep decline (Lawler, Woodley). Even Masvidal is on a bad losing streak, although he definitely has more in the tank than the other two.

People claim Colby is not a draw and doesn’t bring any extra views/PPV buys/ attention to UFC events. Yet the fans and media haven’t been able to stop talking about him since he came out of hiding to weigh in as the back up fighter for Usman/Edwards 3.

How is Colby getting a third title shot, if he is not a draw? Or… is he actually a draw compared to most PPV headliners?

 

[regmma123]

Taken from the Alarming facts about Colby thread:

Colby’s only win over Current Top 15 WW talent is against Jorge Masvidal, which was over a year ago.

At the time of the Masvidal fight, both Colby and Jorge had 0 wins over Then-Current Top 15 WW’s. This fight was in March 2022.

Colby’s 2nd to last win was against Tyron Woodley, who was coming off of a 2 fight (10 rounds) loss streak. Woodley doesn’t fight in the UFC anymore.

Colby got a title shot off of beating only Woodley after losing to Usman the first time.

Every one of Colby’s non title fights since his Dong Hyun Kim fight have been against fighters on 1+ losing streaks.

Colby has fought 3 times in 3 years, going back to the beginning of 2020

 

[Mohawk Banditó]

What is about Colby Covington that makes him popular and gives him the ability to trigger so many MMA/UFC fans?

he’s fought 5 times since August 2019 (just under 4 years ago). He’s 3-2, with two of those victories over older guys that are on a steep decline (Lawler, Woodley). Even Masvidal is on a bad losing streak, although he definitely has more in the tank than the other two.

People claim Colby is not a draw and doesn’t bring any extra views/PPV buys/ attention to UFC events. Yet the fans and media haven’t been able to stop talking about him since he came out of hiding to weigh in as the back up fighter for Usman/Edwards 3.

How is Colby getting a third title shot, if he is not a draw? Or… is he actually a draw compared to most PPV headliners?

You may notice that Stipe is getting a title shot. Most of us here went "Well, that's dumb."
And there's talk of Poirier getting a title shot. Most of us here are going "Well, that's dumb."

Colby getting a title shot is also dumb, but that one gets repeated ad nauseam only in response to the large gagglefuck of morons acting confused as to what criteria people usually use when looking at the next challenger. I feel as though: If there wasn't some strange cult of internet defenders who will follow his socials and pump his YT counts (but don't actually buy his PPV's) all screaming their obsession for a guy who is playing them even more than he's 'playing his haters,' then it wouldn't be getting this much conversation.

If Stipe and Poirier also attracted an almost Andrew-Tate-like crowd of supporters (read: 'supporters,' not 'buying audience') then we'd probably be talking about their stupid shots just as much. Probably more, cuz at least those 2 are exciting to watch

 

[Chalky White]

He fits a declining demographic that the UFC desperately needs, it’s not that complicated. Same reason Bo Nickal is going to get pushed as easy as possible.

In Colby’s case, he also built a fanbase by parroting lines and narratives from Conservative Twitter.

 

[Kowboy On Sherdog]

 

[OldBoy91]

For some people it's political. It doesn't matter that its all an act and he's playing a character. It's no coincidence that the people that tend to seethe about him in the heavys are also the people that are uber leftist in the war room. Just as it tends to be the war room conservatives that hang from his nutsack.

I don't hate him or like him, BECAUSE he's playing a character. I don't think he deserves another shot at the title at all. His last three opponents were all 38 and had lost their last 2 fights prior to fighting him, and he has 2 losses sandwiched between them. He hasn't been on a winning streak of more than a single fight or beaten someone below 38 or coming off a win in half a decade.

 

[regmma123]

He fits a declining demographic that the UFC desperately needs, it’s not that complicated. Same reason Bo Nickal is going to get pushed as easy as possible.

and the internet went berserk on Belal for pointing this out

 

[Last Falconry]

he isn't popular. mystery solved

 

[DS66]

It's not that hard to figure out, is it? He talks a ton of shit, leans hard into the character, and creates a lot of interest. Whether you "agree" with it or not, the reality of the situation is that a shit talker who says wild shit will get people's attention.

He's also a pretty good fighter. He's got very good wrestling and impossibly good cardio which allows him to push the pace and wear down almost everyone he faces. It would be great if he fought more and faced some of the top contenders, but either way, he's a skilled fighter and typically comes through with a good performance in the Octagon when he does fight.

 

[jko1355]

You may notice that Stipe is getting a title shot. Most of us here went "Well, that's dumb."
And there's talk of Poirier getting a title shot. Most of us here are going "Well, that's dumb."

Colby getting a title shot is also dumb, but that one gets repeated ad nauseam only in response to the large gagglefuck of morons acting confused as to what criteria people usually use when looking at the next challenger. I feel as though: If there wasn't some strange cult of internet defenders who will follow his socials and pump his YT counts (but don't actually buy his PPV's) all screaming their obsession for a guy who is playing them even more than he's 'playing his haters,' then it wouldn't be getting this much conversation.

If Stipe and Poirier also attracted an almost Andrew-Tate-like crowd of supporters (read: 'supporters,' not 'buying audience') then we'd probably be talking about their stupid shots just as much. Probably more, cuz at least those 2 are exciting to watch

Wait.. you think colbys fans are Maga Republicans? Lmao you have to be kidding me... im pretty sure Colbys fans are fans of trolls in general... Chael Sonnen fans weren't Maga republicans... they are like WWE theatrics fan... people who think the shtick is funny...

 

[Mcnugget]

It’s an interesting social experiment in how heel can you get ? He tells you it’s a character. He says the mean thing. We all get profit from it. We’re all willing participants (except leon) but how mad do you get?

at the end of the days it’s words ya know.

 

[SeattleFightFan]

What is about Colby Covington that makes him popular and gives him the ability to trigger so many MMA/UFC fans?

he’s fought 5 times since August 2019 (just under 4 years ago). He’s 3-2, with two of those victories over older guys that are on a steep decline (Lawler, Woodley). Even Masvidal is on a bad losing streak, although he definitely has more in the tank than the other two.

People claim Colby is not a draw and doesn’t bring any extra views/PPV buys/ attention to UFC events. Yet the fans and media haven’t been able to stop talking about him since he came out of hiding to weigh in as the back up fighter for Usman/Edwards 3.

How is Colby getting a third title shot, if he is not a draw? Or… is he actually a draw compared to most PPV headliners?

Some like him, and some don't like him.

But most don't like that he got a title shot after such long periods of inactivity, when other fighters are fighting twice as much and have win streaks over top contenders.

It's not difficult to understand. We know why he's getting a title shot. We just wish the sport were more merit based. We don't look forward to the direction this promotion is going (has been going), and we're saying so out loud.

I often say just as loudly, Covington (or whatever fighter just got an unearned title shot recently) isn't even the one to blame. It's Dana. But that opinion usually gets drown out fast.

EDIT: to be 1000% fair here, I will add this. I complained just as loudly when Hendo got a shot against Bisping. And GSP, and CCC, and a few others. There is no doubt that this one rankles some people more than those other examples. So I am not pretending that all of the angst here is purely about the direction the sport is going. Unlike me, many fans are totally OK with undeserved title shots as long as they agree with the story those shots bring.

 

[infokuss]

What is about Colby Covington that makes him popular and gives him the ability to trigger so many MMA/UFC fans?

he’s fought 5 times since August 2019 (just under 4 years ago). He’s 3-2, with two of those victories over older guys that are on a steep decline (Lawler, Woodley). Even Masvidal is on a bad losing streak, although he definitely has more in the tank than the other two.

People claim Colby is not a draw and doesn’t bring any extra views/PPV buys/ attention to UFC events. Yet the fans and media haven’t been able to stop talking about him since he came out of hiding to weigh in as the back up fighter for Usman/Edwards 3.

How is Colby getting a third title shot, if he is not a draw? Or… is he actually a draw compared to most PPV headliners?

There is a big fallacy in connecting social media buzz and general chatter with PPV buys. I believe this has only made a difference in Connie McG's fights.
Cant remember where I read/heard this, will try to dig up the source.

 

[OldBoy91]

There is a big fallacy in connecting social media buzz and general chatter with PPV buys. I believe this has only made a difference in Connie McG's fights.
Cant remember where I read/heard this, will try to dig up the source.

Yup. Jake Paul being the prime example of this. He gets tons of attention and buzz on social media. Every YT channel covers his fight builds and stuff, but his actual PPV numbers are tragic.

 

[Will G]

I think it's that winning smile-

 

[TempleoftheDog]

What is about Colby Covington that makes him popular and gives him the ability to trigger so many MMA/UFC fans?

he’s fought 5 times since August 2019 (just under 4 years ago). He’s 3-2, with two of those victories over older guys that are on a steep decline (Lawler, Woodley). Even Masvidal is on a bad losing streak, although he definitely has more in the tank than the other two.

People claim Colby is not a draw and doesn’t bring any extra views/PPV buys/ attention to UFC events. Yet the fans and media haven’t been able to stop talking about him since he came out of hiding to weigh in as the back up fighter for Usman/Edwards 3.

How is Colby getting a third title shot, if he is not a draw? Or… is he actually a draw compared to most PPV headliners?

If you are actually asking if Colby is a bigger draw than Belal. The answer is yes. And coincidentally.. Wanting to see a guy lose is sometimes as good a reason to buy a ppv as wanting to see a guy win.

There’s no mysteries here.

 

[cws80us]

You may notice that Stipe is getting a title shot. Most of us here went "Well, that's dumb."
And there's talk of Poirier getting a title shot. Most of us here are going "Well, that's dumb."

Colby getting a title shot is also dumb, but that one gets repeated ad nauseam only in response to the large gagglefuck of morons acting confused as to what criteria people usually use when looking at the next challenger. I feel as though: If there wasn't some strange cult of internet defenders who will follow his socials and pump his YT counts (but don't actually buy his PPV's) all screaming their obsession for a guy who is playing them even more than he's 'playing his haters,' then it wouldn't be getting this much conversation.

If Stipe and Poirier also attracted an almost Andrew-Tate-like crowd of supporters (read: 'supporters,' not 'buying audience') then we'd probably be talking about their stupid shots just as much. Probably more, cuz at least those 2 are exciting to watch

The comparison between Colby and Stipe getting title shots is apples to oranges IMO. Stipe was a dominant champion. Many consider him to be one of the greatest HWs of all-time. Colby had never been a champion. And, no one would consider him to be an all-time great. Stipe has earned that respect. Colby has not. Also, there's really no one else all that deserving right now at HW. It's a pretty weak division. Whereas WW is stacked and has multiple guys that are more deserving.

 

[Chalky White]

There is a big fallacy in connecting social media buzz and general chatter with PPV buys. I believe this has only made a difference in Connie McG's fights.
Cant remember where I read/heard this, will try to dig up the source.

PPV buys are an antiquated concept, just like TV Ratings(speaking from a popularity standpoint, not money).

The way people consume sports and TV in general is much different than it was compared to just 5 years ago.

 

[FreddieRoachsVoice]

The UFC is absolutely desperate for stars and will take what they can get even if it only gets even a few more people talking than normal.

Their terrible matchmaking and lack of knowledge of how to actually properly build up a prize fighter in any way besides "trash talk" leads them to try and push anyone who isn't just the generic "I respect my opponent" athlete. Colby, being a wannabe WWE guy, slightly stands out from the pack even though I am thoroughly skeptical that he is any form of real mainstream name/draw.

Personally, his gimmick doesn't get the desired result from me at all and instead of "paying to see him lose", hearing him makes me turn off my TV/skip the PPVs he is on but again, they are desperate and I'm sure it works on some people.

 

[jitzmonkey]

Outside of the alleged backroom "cut a deal over the Jorge assault & get a title shot" deal, Colby is about the biggest current draw that the UFC has atm.

It's impossible to give Jorge a shot over him due to their most recent contest which is why he's getting a potential title eliminator bout with Burns.

Re PPV draw: It may come down to the biggest fish in the small WW pond.

I'll personally go on the record for Muhammad again, though.

You may notice that Stipe is getting a title shot. Most of us here went "Well, that's dumb."
And there's talk of Poirier getting a title shot. Most of us here are going "Well, that's dumb."

Colby getting a title shot is also dumb, but that one gets repeated ad nauseam only in response to the large gagglefuck of morons acting confused as to what criteria people usually use when looking at the next challenger. I feel as though: If there wasn't some strange cult of internet defenders who will follow his socials and pump his YT counts (but don't actually buy his PPV's) all screaming their obsession for a guy who is playing them even more than he's 'playing his haters,' then it wouldn't be getting this much conversation.

If Stipe and Poirier also attracted an almost Andrew-Tate-like crowd of supporters (read: 'supporters,' not 'buying audience') then we'd probably be talking about their stupid shots just as much. Probably more, cuz at least those 2 are exciting to watch

Stipe is the greatest (most successful as) HW champ that the UFC has ever had, though.
Considering the precedent set by Couture, Cruz, and GSP; now JBJ, CCC, etc... it's sort of built into the conversation.
Poirier's a dog who's been so close so many times as well as having separated himself from most of the top 10; so... arguably a different story even from a sporting perspective.

You're not wrong, though.