During the DWCS 2022: Week 5 post-fight press conference Dana addressed rumours about welterweight star Colby Covington. “Colby wants to fight. He’s ready to fight, and we’re making plans for him soon.”
Covington (17-3 MMA, 12-3 UFC) last made the walk to the octagon earlier this year in March at UFC 272 against former teammate and rival Jorge Masvidal (35-16 MMA, 17-10 UFC). Covington scored a unanimous decision victory over his former friend. Masvidal was still animated post-fight, indicating emotions were still high. Just days after defeating ‘Gamebred’, Colby was visiting Papi Steakhouse restaurant in Miami, where Jorge allegedly struck Covington as he was leaving the restaurant. According to the charges, Colby allegedly suffered a chipped tooth, brain damage, and a broken Rolex.
Burns Provides Insight, Sparking Rumour
Recently, fellow UFC welterweight contender Gilbert Burns (20-5 MMA, 13-5 UFC) gave an interview with The AllStar where he was asked about a potential matchup with Covington.
“That would be a dream. The rumors (were) that he was very bad. He had a neck injury, the nerves were very bad, (and) he lost a little bit of movement in his neck. He kind of broke his jaw again, he had surgery and the surgery didn’t go well. He’s still doing the PT (physical therapy), he’s not training.” Burns told The AllStar. “If everything goes okay, he’s only back in March, that’s what I heard. I don’t know if it’s true, but I hear from guys that know him.” Burns shared with The AllStar. “I think it’s true because he’s been quiet, he hasn’t said anything. I think he’s out until March next year.”
Burns’s comments sparked fans to wonder if the related injuries were due to the alleged assault suffered back on March 22nd outside Papi Steakhouse in Miami. The ongoing feud resulted in Masvidal being charged with aggravated battery, aggravated battery causing bodily harm, and criminal mischief over $1000. The trial is set to take place on August 31st at 9:30 am ET, according to the Miami-Dade County Clerk of the Courts under State Case No. 13-2022-CF-005365-0001-XX. The trial date was recently moved up from August 29th after a pre-trial on the 17th.
Another Potential Opponent for Burns
Masvidal was another opponent Burns expressed interest in. “Colby is always an option, you know. If you’re asking me what’s the best option for me, I’d say Masvisdal in December or January, and Colby next after that.” With the recent legal issues, it’s hard to say what the UFC will do moving forward. Dana’s news on Covington is reassuring and might be the match to make.
With the conflicting news, what do you think will happen? Do you think Gilbert gets matched up with Colby or Jorge? Or will Gilbert have to fight someone else? Let us know in the comments below!
Featured image credits to Embed from Getty Images and Embed from Getty Images
