After UFC champion Leon Edwards prevailed over Kamaru Usman in their rematch at UFC 286, Colby Covington was chosen by Dana White as the next contender for the welterweight crown. After much anticipation, the two fighters will now face off in the main event of UFC 296 on December 16.
‘Chaos’ is considered by many to be the perfect contender to give the champion Leon a tough run for his money. Former UFC BMF champion and Colby’s bitter rival Masvidal also thinks the same. However, ‘Gamebred’ has some advice for ‘Rocky’ that can help him against Covington at UFC 296.
Masvidal recently expressed that, according to him, Colby is better than former champion Kamaru Usman when it comes to grappling, so the key for Edwards ahead of this match-up would be to work more on his wrestling. “I just feel that Colby is a couple notches above Usman in the grappling department if he’s on top of somebody. Just being real sticky and holding somebody and not letting go,” said Jorge Masvidal.
Jorge Masvidal gives his favored outcome for UFC 296 💀 pic.twitter.com/psNm05kPNU
— ᴍᴍᴀ ᴍᴀʀᴄᴜs 🏝️ (@mmamarcuss) October 3, 2023
Masvidal further added that he hoped Edwards would finish Colby in their matchup, as he said, “I am hoping he pulls it off and f*cking leaves him in a stretcher.” Fans are not surprised by these comments by Masvidal, as his relations with Covington are pretty infamous.
However, that does not mean that the former BMF champion is a big fan of Leon, as he has been involved in a feud with the Britisher too. The duo had a notorious altercation at UFC London in 2019. Masvidal was giving an interview after defeating Darren Till by knockout when ‘Rocky’ stopped by, and the two started arguing. Jorge delivered three rapid punches to Edwards’ face as the situation swiftly descended into chaos.
How did Colby Covington and Jorge Masvidal go from being close friends to bitter rivals?
Jorge Masvidal and Colby Covington’s relationship has been really interesting, almost like the plot of a film. The most bitter opponents were once teammates and close friends. On March 5, 2022, at UFC 272, they finally had their octagon showdown to put their feud to rest. This was one of the biggest grudge fights in the UFC and got to be the main event of the night despite being a non-title fight, which is quite rare.
Covington, who verbally attacked Masvidal’s family brutally before the fight, dominated throughout and secured a comfortable win. However, things got even worse for Masvidal after losing to Colby Covington, as he allegedly attacked “Chaos” in front of a Miami Beach steakhouse. A lot of legal consequences followed the American fighter.
No matter how intense the rivalry was, Masvidal’s advice to Edwards can prove beneficial for him against Covington. Who do you think will secure the UFC welterweight belt in December? Tell us in the comments!
