UFC 'Super Villain' Coby Covington retires after controversial career

Colby Covington, a controversial, trash-talking fighter, has notified the UFC of his retirement from MMA, according to MMA Junkie, which is part of the USA TODAY Network.

Covington, 38, won the interim UFC welterweight title in 2019 and ends his career with a record of 17-5 with four knockouts and four submissions. A one-time NCAA All-American wrestler, he excelled as a grappler who finished off opponents with ground-and-pound. He beat several big-name fighters, including Jorge Masvidal, Tyron Woodley and Robbie Lawler,

But Covington generated almost as much attention for what he did outside of the Octagon.

The called himself “Super Villain,’’ and it was hard to dispute. During a post-fight interview in San Paulo, Brazil, in 2017 after beating Brazilian Demian Maia by unanimous decision, Covington called the country a "dump" and referred to the Brazilian crowd as "filthy animals.’’

He later said the remarks were an act that saved his career after the UFC had threatened to cut him. But the so-called act continued.

During a press conference before his fight against Kamaru Usman in 2019, Covington referred to Usman’s late coach Glenn Robinson when he said Robinson died from “a heart attack from all those years you were ducking me," and that Robinson would be "watching from hell.’’

Covington was a loyal supporter of President Donald Trump and earned an invitation to the White House.

The biggest stories, every morning. Stay up-to-date on all the key sports developments by subscribing to USA TODAY Sports' newsletter.