Kevin Holland took aim at Colby Covington for dismissing his request for a fight ahead of UFC 318, while also calling out rising star Paddy Pimblett in the unfolding UFC drama. The events unfolded as UFC 318 returned to Louisiana, where Dustin Poirier prepared to conclude his career with a high-stakes matchup against Max Holloway for the BMF title.
Kevin Holland vents frustration after Covington ignores his fight challenge
After securing his third victory in four fights this year at UFC 316 by submitting Vicente Luque, Kevin Holland set his sights on fighting Colby Covington, believing their bout would draw significant attention. However, Covington chose to focus on lightweight contender Paddy Pimblett rather than respond to Holland’s callout.
At UFC 318 media day, Holland poked fun at Covington’s evasion in a blunt and humorous manner, highlighting the timing of Covington’s health issues. He said,
First, when he thought he could fight Paddy and go down a weight class, he was 100 percent healthy,
Holland explained.
As soon as they said my name, vaginal muscle tore.
He continued,
“So you know how that goes. Takes like eight to 10 weeks to heal. Not an easy process.”
Holland added a jab at Covington’s size and suggested the former interim champion might need to drop to featherweight.
I thought it was a great callout. Paddy has a hell of a name,
he said, before continuing,
I used to fight at ’85 and now I fight at ’70. Colby is not that big of a welterweight, so maybe he’s realizing he needs to get his ass down to ’55.
The emerging dispute between Paddy Pimblett and Colby Covington heats up
The tension between Covington and Pimblett gained headlines after a brief but fiery confrontation backstage at UFC 314 in Miami. Following Pimblett’s decisive win over Michael Chandler, the two fighters exchanged harsh words before security separated them.
At UFC 314’s post-fight press conference, Pimblett openly criticized Covington, portraying him as irrelevant and desperate for attention. Pimblett stated,
“Mr. Irrelevant, trying to stay relevant,”
and accused Covington of using a camera to provoke him. He recalled Covington’s disparaging remarks about Chandler and pointed out Covington’s own poor recent performance, saying,
Isn’t (Covington) 2-4 in his last six? Something like that. He’s an absolute bum, lad. He’s nearly 40, trying to stay relevant by jumping on me while there’s a camera there.
Pimblett further described an encounter outside the ring where Covington avoided eye contact.
“I seen him at Power Slap the other week and walked past him. Stared at him and he just looked at the floor like the little p—- boy he is,”
Pimblett said.
When there’s a camera there, he tries to say something. But he got tethered. We all absolutely terrorized him.”
UFC 318 lineup highlights and career milestones
UFC 318’s main event features the anticipated trilogy clash between Dustin Poirier and Max Holloway for the BMF title, with Poirier set to retire after this bout, ending a nearly 20-year career. The event is notable as the UFC’s first return to Louisiana in over ten years.
Meanwhile, Kevin Holland aims to extend his record pursuit for the most UFC fights in a single calendar year with a challenging matchup against Daniel Rodriguez. Securing another victory there would keep Holland’s momentum alive as he navigates through 2025’s schedule.
Impact of the Paddy Pimblett and Colby Covington rivalry on UFC dynamics
The ongoing tension between Paddy Pimblett and Colby Covington reflects deepening rivalries within the UFC welterweight and lightweight divisions. Pimblett’s blunt dismissal of Covington’s relevance alongside Holland’s calls for a showdown underscore a growing narrative that could influence matchmaking and fan interest in future events.
With UFC 318 providing a crucial platform, the competitive interactions among these fighters suggest that the Paddy Pimblett Colby Covington feud will remain a compelling storyline. As fans anticipate whether Holland and Covington will finally face off, attention also grows on how Pimblett will further stake his presence in the divisions.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Has Paddy Pimblett ever lost a fight?
A. Early in his career, after winning a fight, he went for the Cage Warriors lightweight title but lost to Søren Bak in a unanimous decision.
Q. Did Paddy Pimblett ever lose a fight?
A. Although Pimblett has lost three times, he has never been knocked out. Several of his fights were canceled before he finished two more Cage Warriors matches and later joined the UFC.
Q. Why did Paddy Pimblett get $200,000?
A. White first agreed to double the bonuses after Green asked at Thursday’s pre-fight press conference. On Saturday night, Pimblett’s bonus was doubled again. Interestingly, Pimblett got this extra reward for submitting Green in the first round of the main card event.
Q. Is Paddy Pimblett a millionaire?
A. Pimblett uses the UFC as a platform to boost his own image. His charm, especially with British and European fans, makes him famous in MMA. As of 2025, his estimated net worth is about $5 million. His record in the UFC stands at 22 wins, 3 losses, and no draws.