Recently it was reported that Colby Covington was no longer mentioned on the American Top Team’s website, and now “Chaos” has confirmed his run with the team is over.
Covington confirms his exit from ATT
For a long time, the welterweight contender was one of ATT’s most vocal proponents. But, in recent years, as Covington’s made headlines for various inflammatory and controversial statements, his relationship with some ATT members soured.
In particular, the former interim champ has feuded with ATT fighters Jorge Masvidal and Joanna Jedrzejczyk. As a result, eventually ATT owner Dan Lambert banned members of the team trashing talking about one another.
Well, while talking to The Score recently, Covington said the following about his departure from the Florida team (quotes via MMA Junkie).
“I’m not a member of American Top Team in Coconut Creek,” Covington said. “I’m a member of Colby Covington, Inc. I’m a member of Colby Covington business and Colby Covington team.
“You can now direct your complaints at me. All the people going to Dan Lambert and American Top Team directing their complaints, up in their feelings: ‘I’m a pro fighter, but I’m going to going to Dan Lambert.
“Hey, Dan, I don’t want to fight him in the cage because I know I can’t beat him, but can you protect my precious little feelings?”‘”
So, it will be interesting to see whether Covington joins another gym and if another team is willing to welcome him aboard.
While some people have claimed Covington’s controversial persona is all an act, clearly, insurmountable issues developed for him at ATT.
Covington has no issues with Lambert
Despite his departure from ATT, Covington had nothing but praise for the team’s owner.
“I respect Dan Lambert more than anything in the world – that guy will have my respect till the day I die,” Covington said. “I owe that guy everything.
He gave me an opportunity nine years ago to come train at his gym full-time, have food, money and a place to live. He never left me out in the cold. He always gave me the opportunity.
So I’m very thankful for my time there. He’s still a friend, he’s still a mentor, but I fulfilled my debts there.
“We won together a world title, but I was also able to do something for him that no other fighter is going to do – and that’s take him to the White House. So we had a great relationship together.
He did a lot for me and I’m grateful I was able to give him something back.”
Covington has yet to compete since he was stopped by champion Kamaru Usman at UFC 245 in December.