UFC star Colby Covington isn’t convinced he’ll run it back with rival Jorge Masvidal in a MMA setting.
The intense rivalry between Colby Covington and Jorge Masvidal reached its peak during UFC 272, where the former best friends faced off in a long-anticipated showdown in March 2022. Covington emerged victorious in a dominant fashion, securing a unanimous decision with his wrestling advantage. However, this high-stakes bout was just the beginning of a dramatic saga that unfolded outside the cage.
In a surprising turn of events later that month, Masvidal confronted Covington outside a steakhouse in Miami, Florida, escalating the tensions between the two fighters. Despite the physical altercation, Covington’s win was only the beginning of a newly-formed rivalry.
While Covington secured a decisive victory in their grudge match, Masvidal opted for retirement after another unanimous decision loss to Gilbert Burns in April 2022. Despite Masvidal expressing a desire for a rematch, Covington remains skeptical about the likelihood of the UFC sanctioning such a fight, citing the one-sided nature of their first encounter.
Colby Covington Reflects on Rivalry With UFC Star Jorge Masvidal
“I don’t think the UFC would sanction that because they just saw how easily I beat him the first time,” Covington shared during an interview with Tucker Carlson
“I beat him every round convincingly, knocked him down, dragged him out. It was a 50-43 and a soda is what I gave him. So, I don’t think the UFC would give me an easy matchup like that ever again.”
Expressing doubt about the UFC’s willingness to set up a rematch, Covington emphasized the promotion’s preference for high-level fights, suggesting they wouldn’t pair him with an opponent not on his level.
As Covington reflects on his last victory against Masvidal, it’s worth noting that this triumph dates back to 2022. Moving into 2024, Covington faced a setback in his pursuit of the UFC welterweight title, taking a unanimous decision loss to Leon Edwards at UFC 296 in December 2023. This defeat marked his third unsuccessful bid for the undisputed title.
The fallout between Covington and Masvidal, once close friends with an eight-year history and three years of shared living, adds a layer of sadness to their rivalry. Despite the similar claims made by both fighters in the aftermath, Covington stands firm on his perspective.
Best Friends Turned Enemies
“We were best friends for eight years,” Covington revealed. “We lived together for three years. Best, best friends, but that’s what this sport does to people. People will sell out their friends for money. All he wanted was fame and money, so as soon as I started reaching up and getting high in this sport, that’s when he took it personal, and his ego kicked in.”
Following his third-consecutive title defeat to Edwards, it’s a long climb back to the top for the American. What do you think’s next for Colby Covington? Let us know in the comments!
Featured image credits to Embed from Getty Images and Embed from Getty Images
