By Ahmed Abdelsalam
Rising UFC bantamweight contender Raul Rosas Jr submitted former interim welterweight champion Colby Covington just 43 seconds into their grappling match at Hype Italy on Tuesday. Rosas Jr, 22, made quick work of the 38-year-old Covington, a former NCAA Division 1 wrestler, in a bout scheduled for a maximum of 10 minutes with submissions as the only path to victory.
Quick Victory
Rosas Jr immediately shot for a double-leg takedown and hauled Covington to the mat. Although Covington returned to his feet, Rosas Jr clung to his back, attacked the neck, and locked in a rear naked choke with a body triangle, forcing the tap and sparking wild celebrations from his team.
Post-Match Reactions
Afterwards, Rosas Jr called Covington a "legend" — along with Conor McGregor, who watched from ringside — and declared his intention to become the youngest UFC champion. Covington acknowledged a slow start, noting it was his first jiu-jitsu match in years, and vowed to return stronger.
Context
Covington left the UFC in May and now competes as a wrestling champion with Real American Freestyle. He is scheduled to face Khamzat Chimaev in that discipline on 14 November. Covington drew controversy during his UFC tenure for frequent insults and political rhetoric, including mocking Leon Edwards over his father's death.
