At UFC Tampa, drama unfolded not only inside the Octagon but outside it as well, thanks to former interim welterweight champion Colby Covington's extraordinary entrance. Accompanied by WWE legend Hulk Hogan and fellow fighter Chael Sonnen, Covington made quite the impression before he even stepped foot inside the cage.
On December 15, 2024, as the crowd buzzed with anticipation, Covington trudged toward the cage, wearing his patriotic heart on his sleeve. The spectacle began with Hogan, draped in the American flag and embodying the wrestling icon from the '80s, making his entrance to the iconic song 'Real American' by Rick Derringer—the anthem synonymous with Hogan's wrestling career. Fans cheered, and social media exploded with excitement, as many remarked, "Colby got Chael Sonnen and Hulk Hogan walking him out lol. Man’s a showman. Can’t deny that's true," underscoring Covington’s flair for theatrics.
The anticipation peaked as Covington teased the walkout all week, leading fans to speculate whether former President Donald Trump—an avid UFC supporter—might walk alongside him. Instead, they found themselves delighted by Hogan's unexpected arrival. One fan tweeted, "Hulk Hogan and Chael Sonnen is a corner I did not have on my bingo card," showcasing the surprise element of Covington’s dramatic entrance.
Despite the festive atmosphere around his entrance, Covington's ensuing fight with Joaquin Buckley soon turned grim. After his flashy walk-in, the fight quickly devolved as Covington could not seem to implement his game plan. Buckley capitalized on Covington's overexposure, landing precise strikes, including a significant uppercut which opened up a cut above Covington's eye.
Despite being pelted by punches and suffering from the growing laceration, Covington continued the fight, maintaining his tenacity. Unfortunately for him, the doctor called it at the start of the third round due to the dangerous cut, resulting in the first back-to-back losses of his professional career. Covington had entered the fight with high hopes and questions about his future following disappointment against Leon Edwards last December, making this loss particularly impactful.
Commenters on social media expressed mixed reactions to his performance. Some reflected on Covington's determination. One user mused, "You can’t walk out with Hulk Hogan and lose right? #UFCTampa,” capturing the ironically hopeful sentiments of fans. Others pointed out the obvious—this marked the continuation of Covington's troubling trend of poor results, as he slipped to 2-4 over his last six fights.
Covington's showmanship was on full display not just as he made his entrance, but also through his calculated marketing approach. Having built up his brand around political and sports personas, the presence of Hogan—a fellow Trump supporter—served as both nostalgia and continued promotion of his controversial character. Rogers commented, "Colby’s walkout has drilled the heel wrestling persona to perfection, blending MMA with showmanship so seamlessly it mimics the world of pro wrestling." So, maybe Covington was at least successful at captivating the audience, even if the results inside the cage were disappointing.
While UFC fans hold their breaths on what Covington’s next move will be after facing Buckley, the odds appear stacked against him. Analysts suggest Covington, aligned with the right grappling experts from his mixed martial arts background, might pivot toward wrestling, possibly capitalizing on the notoriety he gained by walking with Hogan. Reflecting on this, one noted analyst said, "The cut stoppage was fully justified. Buckley was the superior fighter tonight, but Covington has positioned himself for possibilities outside the cage now as well." Covington himself has teased over the years the appeal of entering the world of professional wrestling, leading to speculation if this might become his new path.
With all eyes on his next move, the world of mixed martial arts can't seem to decide if they will witness Covington's comeback story or the start of something new as he navigates potential forays beyond the Octagon now more than ever. The entertaining yet tumultuous path for Covington will undoubtedly keep fans engaged through the upcoming transition period.