We’ve finally arrived. This weekend, the long-awaited grudge match between welterweight contenders Colby Covington and Jorge Masvidal takes place in the main event of UFC 272, and as expected, Covington has finally entered the fray of verbal warfare.
Earlier this month, as UFC 272 drew nearer, Masvidal began taking shots at Covington, starting with a scathing video blasting “The Real Street Judas” which was essentially a compilation video of Covington’s actions and other fighters talking trash about him. Over the course of the month, Masvidal continued to take shots at Covington, while “Chaos” remained mostly quiet. The former UFC interim champion welterweight champion has begun to ramp up his persona.
“I feel like a little kid the night before Christmas,” Covington told TMZ Sports. “I’m super excited to hold this kid accountable for all the reckless words he’s said to the media. “He’s been lying all along and I cannot wait to expose him before the whole world.”
” I’m the greatest fighter right now in the world, no matter what anyone says. I won three rounds out of my last undisputed title fight with [Kamaru] Usman. The people saw at Madison Square Garden, just because three stooges sitting cage side awarded him three rounds to two, one measly round he won by. Deep down, I am certain that I’m the greatest fighter in the universe. Next weekend, you will see him on display .”
It was not just the three judges at cage side that score it for Usman — most people believe Usman won the fight — but Covington has never let facts get in the way of a good narrative, and this weekend, there is a much better narrative at play: the bitter rivalry of a friendship scorned. Covington continues to promote the fight despite the fact that this fight is a “bad blood”.
“This is way more personal, this is a blood feud,” Covington said. This goes back to brotherhood. Eight years ago, we were best friends for eight. And now we’re the biggest bitter enemies. He’s my biggest bitter enemy. This is going to be terrible. I’m gonna make him pay, I’m gonna make him suffer for backstabbing me and turning his back and trying to run this fake narrative to the media.”
It’s not just Covington who is ramping things up on fight week though. Over the weekend, Masvidal gave an interview to ESPN where he said he expects to put Covington “in critical condition.” Not one to be outdone, Covington is predicting “a funeral” on Saturday.
” I see a lot pain. Jorge Masvidal is going to be inflicted with so much pain,” Covington stated. “He’s not gonna be the same person ever again. He keeps talking about a baptism. The funeral will be the baptism. Jorge Masvidal’s funeral that ended his career. It’s gonna be violent. It’s going to take a while. It’s not going to be easy.
UFC 272 takes place this Saturday at the T-Mobil Arena in Las Vegas.
TOP STORIES
Results. Islam Makhachev stops Bobby Green in the first round at UFC Vegas 49.
Results. Gegard Mousasi steamrolls Austin Vanderford in 85 seconds to defend title at Bellator 275.
Results. Reinier de Ridder retains double champ status on knockout-filled card at ONE: Full Circle.
Title Shot. Islam Makhachev expects Charles Oliveira to finish Justin Gaethje, laughs off Conor McGregor jumping over him for title shot.
Apology. Bobby Green apologises for the loss of Islam Makhachev and explains why he does not want to host another UFC main show.
Wait. Conor McGregor gives update on 2022 return, advises UFC champ Charles Oliveira to wait ‘another month or two’.
Hero. Bellator champ Yaroslav Amosov staying in Ukraine to defend home against Russian attack.
Genesis. ‘UFC 272 Countdown’ video reveals roots of Jorge Masvidal and Colby Covington’s rivalry.
Rescheduled. Glover Teixeira vs. Jiri Prochazka championship fight at UFC 274 rescheduled for UFC 275.
VIDEO STEW
UFC Vegas 49 Post Show.
UFC Vegas 49 Post-Fight Press conference.
UFC 272 Countdown.
PFL Challenger Series highlights.
Masvidal speaking about boatyard fighting.
LISTEN UP
On to the Next One. Matches to make following UFC Vegas 49.
SOCIAL MEDIA BOUILLABAISSE
Khabib.
High praise (from a guy that shares a management team).
Islam is the best guy I ever rolled with and that’s including Adcc and Bjj world champions
— Dan “50k” Ige (@Dynamitedan808) February 27, 2022
Support.
Ride or die baby… we’re still Bonnie and Clyde. pic.twitter.com/Plwyf0jwjo
— Paige VanZant (@paigevanzant) February 27, 2022
Nigerian Pride.
A new approach to fighting.
Rule change in mma scoring
1. Shake hands more than once = warning
2 handshakes = lose a point
2. Hug anytime during fight 10-8 round loss for hug initiator.
Only one hug legal at conclusion.
3-Hand signals = loose license. If not handed a mic understand you are not interesting— Chael Sonnen (@ChaelSonnen) February 27, 2022
FIGHT ANNOUNCEMENTS
Devonte Smith (11-3) vs. Ludovit Klein (17-4); UFC 272, March 5.
Charles Jourdain (12-4-1) vs. Lando Vannata (12-5-2); UFC Vegas 52, April 23.
Mauricio Rua (27-12-1) vs. Ovince St. Preux (25-16); UFC 274, May 7.
Jeff Molina (10-2) vs. Zhalgas Zhumagulov (14-6); UFC Fight Night, June 4.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Thanks so much for reading!
EXIT POLL
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