Controversial UFC star Colby Covington submitted 43 seconds into grappling match

Colby Covington was submitted 43 seconds into his grappling match with Raul Rosas Jr on Tuesday.

Covington, a former interim UFC welterweight champion, squared off with Rosas Jr, a rising UFC bantamweight contender, as they headlined Hype Italy.

And Rosas Jr, despite being the naturally much-smaller man, made short work of the former NCAA Division 1 wrestler.

Rosas Jr, 22, immediately shot for a double-leg takedown and hauled Covington, 38, to the mat. Covington was able to stand back up, but Rosas Jr clung to his back as his fellow American attempted a forward-roll escape.

Rosas Jr, still hanging on, began to attack Covington’s neck, briefly threatened an armbar, then returned to a choke attempt. With that, he drove Covington to the mat once more.

There, he locked in a rear naked choke and secured a body triangle with his legs, forcing Covington to tap – and sparking wild celebrations among Rosas Jr’s team.

The match had been scheduled to last a maximum of 10 minutes, with submissions marking the only method of victory.

Afterwards, Rosas Jr labelled Covington a “legend” – saying the same of Conor McGregor, who watched from ringside – and added: “I’m going to become the youngest UFC champion. I’m coming for that belt. That’s my main goal.

“This is just a second thing we do for entertainment. I’m glad to be able to share this with Colby Covington.”

Covington said: “I just came out a little slow. This is the first time I’ve done jiu-jitsu in years. Every setback is a good opportunity for a comeback. I will get my hand raised next time.”

Covington left the UFC in May and is now a wrestling champion with Real American Freestyle. He is due to face Khamzat Chimaev in that discipline on 14 November. Chimaev recently held the UFC middleweight title.