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Colby Covington’s Hype debut didn’t go according to plan for the former interim UFC champion.
Covington isn’t ruling out a UFC return but has been focused on competing in wrestling and grappling matches since making the decision to step away from MMA.
Before he takes on Khamzat Chimaev later this month in Abu Dhabi, Covington’s previously canceled Hype debut finally took place and resulted in a huge upset result.
Just days before Hype’s event in Rome, Italy, Dillon Danis withdrew from his matchup with Colby Covington that was set to headline the card.
Raul Rosas Jr. stepped in on just several days’ notice and started the match in incredibly impressive fashion by taking his opponent down.
The 22-year-old bantamweight contender had already shocked the crowd with this successful attempt, but immediately started pushing for a finish.
In a transition, the bantamweight contender was able to take Covington’s back and get the rear-naked choke submission win in just over 40 seconds to stun ‘Chaos’.
Covington spoke about starting the match slowly and being primarily focused on his wrestling instead of jiu-jitsu when reacting to the result in his post-match interview.
Both men also made reference to Conor McGregor after the contest, who was sat at ring-side for the event.