“I gave up party lifestyle in college,” ‘365, 24×7 fighter’ Colby Covington reveals REAL reason behind quitting alcohol

Colby Covington revealed his reasons for quitting alcohol and party lifestyle. He mentioned his goal to become a full-time fighter.


“I gave up party lifestyle in college,” ‘365, 24×7 fighter’ Colby Covington reveals REAL reason behind quitting alcohol

Colby Covington reveals the reason behind quitting partying and drinking (via X/Interaksyon

Colby Covington is set to take on Leon Edwards for the welterweight title in UFC 296. Ahead of the fight, he discussed his career retrospectively with ESPN MMA. As such, he revealed why he quit the party lifestyle in college. Further, he explained why he chose not to indulge in alcohol.

‘Chaos’ started wrestling at a very young age and had a competitive mindset. Once he decided to become a fighter, Colby Covington quit partying and consuming alcohol. He did mention consuming red wine here and there. Here is what he said:

Don't drink at all. Maybe a glass of red wine just because it's good for the heart. Nothing more than that. I gave up the party lifestyle in college because I wanted to be a 365, 24*7 fighter. I didn't want to be a part-time fighter, I wanted to be a full-time fighter and commit my life to be in the best I can be in this career.
Colby Covington via ESPN MMA
YouTube video

Although Colby Covington had embraced the bad-boy villain persona, he had his standards as a fighter. As such, he remained committed to his goal to be the best fighter. So, he gave up alcohol and partying at a young age and focused on training. The fruits of these decisions can be seen in that he is a successful fighter in the UFC right now.

Colby Covington faces Leon Edwards next weekend for the welterweight title. This would be his third shot at the undisputed UFC title after failing twice against Kamaru Usman in 2019 and 2021. Also, this marks his comeback to MMA from a 21-month hiatus.

Colby Covington on his inactivity for the past 18 months

Colby Covington was last seen inside the octagon in UFC 272 in March 2022. He fought his former friend Jorge Masvidal in a grudge match. After winning the fight, he asked the UFC matchmakers to give him a fight by July 2022. But, the UFC was keen on booking him with Khamzat Chimaev and delayed his return. However, the fight never came to fruition.

Colby Covington shared his reason on the 18-month break from fighting
Colby Covington shared his reason for the 18-month break from fighting (via Bloody Elbow)

In a recent interview with ESPN MMA, Colby Covington trashed Khamzat Chimaev for not accepting the fight. Further, he revealed that other fighters didn’t agree to fight him and blamed them for his inactivity. As such, he questioned those who accused him of turning the fights down by asking why the UFC would offer him a title shot if he had rejected fights. Check out what Colby said below:

Finally, Colby Covington returns to the octagon on December 16 against Leon Edwards. He looked to dethrone ‘Rocky’ and capture the undisputed welterweight title for the first time. As such, he previously was the interim welterweight champion in 2018. However, he failed his two attempts at the undisputed title.

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