Two things evidently work in getting you quite far in MMA, or any combat sport. Firstly, you obviously need to be a highly skilled fighter, or an elite level one if you plan on ever touching championship gold. Secondly, you need to understand that your image and persona can become powerful tools in pushing your profile, marketability, and in some cases, notoriety. Colby ‘Chaos’ Covington is one of the best to run with both of these qualities.
Raised primarily in Oregon, Covington wrestled in the NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association) before starting his training in MMA with Dan Lambert and American Top Team. It’s clear from his fights how skilled of a wrestler he’s become, showing a his ability to bring pressure and a high level clinch and ground game.
However what is perhaps more notable about Covington is something that was kick started on October 28, 2017 in Sao Paulo, when his public image changed forever…
We’re going to take a closer look at perhaps the most controversial figure to ever compete in MMA, and how he’s used the power of notoriety in a business where it can work such incredible advantages, especially with a high-level fighting IQ. We’ll investigate what goes on, not only in his mind, but in his opponents’ too, that is after enduring a mountain load of ahem, ‘hyperbolic banter’ and pressure in the fight promotion amp-up stage!
So keep reading further to explore Colby Covington: Inside the Mind of MMA’s Biggest Supervillain
Does Colby Covington ‘Entertain’ You?
Covington stated in a 2019 interview that heading into his Sao Paulo Fight Night main event with Demian Maia, the UFC had no intention of re-signing him.
“Before this fight, they told me no matter what happens, I was ranked No.6 in the world, we’re not re-signing you, we don’t like your character, we don’t like your fighting style” said Covington, referring to his bout with Maia. “This is before I really started to become an entertainer and really understand the entertainment aspect of the business” , he continued.
Though the truth to the UFC really having that intention is unknown, Covington definitely went into that fight with the solid focus of making a statement. He dominated Maia in front of his own country and won a unanimous decision. But to ‘Chaos’, this wasn’t enough.
He cut one of the most notorious promos in UFC history, dawning a new era for the welterweight contender’s persona, and an eternal rivalry between him and the entire nation of Brazil.
Just like that, the spotlight was on Covington. Whether you loved or hated what he did, you were dialled in.
So where did this fire come from? Well, Covington is a self-professed pro wrestling fan, who grew up idolising the likes of Ric Flair, “Rowdy” Roddy Piper, Randy Savage, and other well-known heels.
Now we all know this kind of wrestling is scripted entertainment, and a “heel” or “bad guy” would typically sell a big event by drawing disdain from the audience, who would tune in to look forward to the “face” or “good guy” give him/her a good beat down at their match.
The character of Covington is built completely off this concept, wearing bright suits and MAGA hats at press conferences, trash talking to the extreme, and creating a distinct divide between him and his opponent.
Covington’s eccentric character is in many ways a genius tactic in throwing off his opponents’ game plans. The bright orange suits, cheesy smiles and potty-mouthing often aren’t expected to develop into the monster he unleashes once inside the octagon.
Even an elite-level wrestler like Kamaru Usman chose to keep his fight with Covington standing, in a desperate thirst to knock him out after a colossal build-up of bad blood. He didn’t attempt a single takedown.
The ‘gimmick’ makes many forget that “Chaos” is his given nickname for a reason, and the typical outcome is sheer domination on his part.
Covington often ‘trumps’ his fights winning most rounds handily, but it’s not something you may necessarily expect from the persona he projects in his pre-fight build ups.
When it comes to powerful friends, they don’t get much bigger than the president of the United States. Donald Trump, along with his family, are all fans of Covington.
The former interim welterweight champion has attended numerous rallies, been invited to the White House, and has even received a personal phone call from the man himself live on air during his post-fight interview after beating Tyron Woodley.
Covington claims the “dragon energy” he gets from the Trumps’ support is what pushes every part of himself when it comes to his outstanding performances
Their bond has certainly boosted the patriotic Covington’s profile, as well as leveraged his confidence in the cage.
Even before altering his approach to media and fight promotion, there wasn’t much of anything “Chaos” had to really adjust about his fight game. Besides getting caught in a guillotine choke by Warlley Alves, he has shown that he has a constantly-improving, well-rounded MMA skillset.
Since the likes of Conor McGregor and Chael Sonnen, the importance of persona and fight promotion has never been more apparent. It’s ultimately responsible for drawing big numbers and a lifetime’s worth of attention for all kinds of audiences. Colby Covington recognises that mere “2D”-fight personalities just don’t cut it, which probably explains why he’s running with the torch faster than ever.
Let us know in the comments below; Like, share and join in the conversation on Facebook and follow us on Twitter & Instagram.
THERE’S ALWAYS CHAOS BEFORE THE CALM: bring it into your own training by checking out our Top 5 MMA series featuring characters such as Benson Henderson, Israel Adesanya, Robbie Lawler, Marlon Vera, Darren Till, T.J. Dillashaw, Francis Ngannou, Holly Holm, Jessica Andrade, Daniel Cormier, A.J. McKee, Jose Aldo, Demian Maia, Cris Cyborg, Thanh Le, Aung La N Sang, Joshua Pacio, Martin Nguyen, Nate Diaz, Amanda Nunes, Edson Barboza, Max Holloway, Stephen “Wonderboy” Thompson, Tony “El Cucuy” Ferguson and many more!
GET CHAOTIC in the FUniverse with these Top 10’s, deep-dive interviews, unleash your MMA moves in KFK Official gear and subscribe for more frenetic-chaotic fight action on YouTube!
Review of “China O’Brien I & II” (1990) Blu-ray version. Cynthia Rothrock's martial arts action…
Strength training strategies for beginners and experienced athletes focusing on compound movements, progressive overload, and…
Review of “The Swordsman Of All Swordsmen” / “The Mystery of Chess Boxing” (Blu-ray, Double…
Explore the life and impact of the recently deceased Hollywood action legend, Carl Weathers, from…
Countdown on the Top 3 MMA Finishes of Johnny Eblen (aka “The Human Cheat Code”)…
Movie review of “Monkey Man” (2024), action-packed martial arts thriller starring Dev Patel, Sharlto Copley…