Colby Covington recorded the only knockdown of his 11-year UFC career with a spinning backfist out of nowhere

On this day in 2016, Colby Covington rebounded from the first defeat of his career in a fight that saw him land his one and only UFC knockdown.

When Covington broke into the upper echelon of the UFC’s 170-pound division, many newer fans were surprised to see an unlikely defeat on his record.

In 2015, Covington was submitted by Warlley Alves in less than 90 seconds. The Brazilian went on to lose eight of his following 12 fights in the UFC before being released this past February.

‘Chaos’ needed to make a statement after that setback, and he did so against an opponent who remains the only fighter to get dropped by the wrestling specialist in the UFC.

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Colby Covington stunned Jonathan Meunier with a spinning backfist before submitting him at UFC Ottawa

‘Chaos’ is hardly known for his striking prowess, and performances like Covington’s grappling-heavy win against Jorge Masvidal have contributed to a negative reputation about the style he has used to win many of his fights.

But that couldn’t have been further from the case at UFC Ottawa on June 18, 2016, when ‘Chaos’ shared the Octagon with Canada’s own Jonathan Meunier.

The then-future interim welterweight champion pulled out a showstopper seconds into round three to set up a finish, knocking Meunier down with a devastating spinning backfist.

After what remains his one and only knockdown across 11 years in the UFC, Covington returned to his bread and butter, taking Meunier’s back before making him tap out frantically to a tight rear-naked choke.

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Colby Covington has won just two of his last five UFC fights

That result marked Covington’s second submission in four UFC wins. It’s perhaps surprising, then, that he’s failed to find a tap in the 12 fights he’s had since.

And more than just finishing fights, ‘Chaos’ has had a hard time winning them since entering the title picture at 170 pounds.

The American has lost all three of his shots at the undisputed belt, dropping two fights against Kamaru Usman before a lackluster showing against Leon Edwards.

Most recently, Covington endured a brutal night versus Joaquin Buckley, who battered the ex-interim champion in Tampa last December until the doctor had seen enough.

It remains to be seen who Covington will face next, as the 37-year-old looks to prove that his time competing at the top of the division is not yet over.