Covington Says Nurmagomedov Doesn't Belong In UFC

Colby Covington wants Usman Nurmagomedov kept out of the UFC permanently following the PFL lightweight champion's six-month prison sentence for attacking Merab Dvalishvili at an Abu Dhabi hotel this week.

Nurmagomedov and several associates reportedly assaulted the former UFC bantamweight champion and a friend during the altercation, as MMA Junkie first reported. The brawl marks the second recent incident involving Nurmagomedov, who previously rushed the cage to confront Song Yadong mid-celebration after the bantamweight's victory.

Covington Blasts Nurmagomedov Over Repeated Incidents

The former welterweight title challenger told BC.Game that UFC standards should exclude fighters with Nurmagomedov's disciplinary record. "This behavior from Usman Nurmagomedov should disqualify him from ever being a UFC athlete," Covington said, per MMA Junkie. The outspoken American pointed to both the hotel assault and the cage-storming incident as proof the Dagestani lacks the composure required at the sport's highest level.

Covington dismissed suggestions that Nurmagomedov's undefeated record warrants consideration. His victories came against inferior competition, Covington argued, adding that emotional instability disqualifies the PFL champion regardless of his win-loss ledger. The welterweight contender expressed hope that Nurmagomedov would never receive UFC clearance or entry to the United States.

The interview also touched on Dvalishvili's situation. Covington said the Georgian grappler deserves to train and compete without disruption from what he termed criminal conduct, urging Merab to return stateside and resume his wrestling schedule this weekend.

Whether the UFC pursued Nurmagomedov before the sentence remains unclear. The promotion has not commented on his eligibility following the legal verdict.

Reported via:

• BJPenn — Colby Covington says Usman Nurmagomedov ‘doesn’t belong’ in UFC after hotel brawl