Similar to Conor McGregor's 2026 UFC return, ex-UFC superstar Colby Covington’s Hype debut did not go according to plan. The former interim champion suffered a humiliating defeat against a much younger opponent. Although Covington is not ruling out a comeback to the UFC, he has been prioritizing wrestling and grappling competitions after deciding to step back from MMA.

For the last few months, Covington has been heavily involved with RAF and recently took on Raul Rosas Jr. at the RAF crossover with Hype Italy. However, the match finished in just 43 seconds when Rosas Jr. tapped out Covington.

Rosas, 22, stepped up at the last minute and replaced Dillon Dannis in a 10-minute submission-only grappling bout against the 38-year-old Covington. UFC legend Conor McGregor was also present at the event, as both men also referred to McGregor after the contest.

Shortly after, a video started going viral on the internet where McGregor was seen laughing uncontrollably at the match's result and Covington's loss. However, it now seems the video is fake and edited, or so McGregor claims.

“The Notorious One” reacted to the clip on social media and slammed it as “false,” and called it an edited video. “This is false and fully edited. I had an amazing and fun time at the show in Rome tonight, as is evident in the clip of myself laughing, however it’s placement as if it was at this moment of the show is FALSE. I do not laugh at competing men and women. I respect them! Win lose draw! Bravo to all the combatants and thank you!” McGregor said.

As of now, no official confirmation about the authenticity of the clip has emerged.

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