Loudmouth, arrogant, disrespectful? Many adopt such adjectives to describe the personality of Colby covingtonstar UFC 272, which takes place this Saturday (5). The characteristics mentioned, however, do not reflect the real way of being of the opponent of Jorge masvidal this weekend. Days before the clash, one of the 'Caos' coaches, Daniel Valverde, in an exclusive conversation with the SUPER FIGHTS, made a point of clarifying the pupil’s controversies. The coach also suggested the outcome of the 'fight between former friends'.
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Former UFC interim welterweight champion (up to 77kg), Covington gained notoriety in MMA after adopting a provocative stance towards his opponents. Sharp in interviews and victorious in the octagon, the athlete collects fans and enemies throughout his career in the company.
After all, did Covington build a character?
leader of MMA MASTERS, Daniel Valverde was categorical when responding about his relationship with Colby and the athlete's treatment of his gym companions. According to the Brazilian coach, the fighter's attitudes do not reflect what the fighter really is.
“He’s a very humble guy, very quiet. Respectful, who came to talk to us. He arrives at the gym and talks to everyone. From the boy who takes care of cleaning to the amateur athlete. (…) He is a great person, easy to work with. I don't know if everyone knows, but Colby was going to be cut (disconnected from the UFC) before the fight against Demian Maia (in 2017). He said: 'I'm fighting, winning. What do I have to do here?'. He sees the UFC as a show and he thinks he had to embody this character. For him, it's working. He started to make a lot more money and, today, he is one of the best-selling guys in the UFC. What I pay attention to is his day-to-day life at the gym, the respect he has for me, for Cesar Carneiro, for his gym partners, the way he treats his fans. He takes photos with everyone, he wants to help,” he clarified.
Evolution at MMA MASTERS
integral part of MMA MASTERS Since 2020, when he ended up leaving the renowned American Top Team (ATT), Covington, today, is number one in the welterweight rankings, behind only the champion Kamaru Usman. With hope for the student's greater success, Valverde pointed out explicit points in which the pupil evolved.
“Colby has always been a machine, but if you look at his fights before, how many punches he threw, 300, 400, that crazy thing, without much strategy. Colby beat him in terms of volume and cardio, which is very good. Nowadays, he has more strategy. We work to release fewer blows and with more precision. (…). It's not just sparring, fighting. Today, Colby has much better control on the ground. (…) He fights right-handed, left-handed, because, in fact, he is right-handed. (…) Today, he fights much more intelligently and has many more weapons,” he stated.
'Covington x Masvidal' rivalry
On March 5, Colby and Jorge will put their differences on the line inside the Octagon. Former best friends, in the ATT days, the athletes have become rivals since 'Caos' left the old academy. Valverde then tells what he thinks about the hatred that will be carried into the main fight of the UFC 272.
“There are two guys fighting for the same goal, to be the champion. He (Covington) was a guy who helped Masvidal a lot when it came to wrestling. (…) Masvidal helped with the striking part. We always met them both and thought: 'Colby is growing, but he only has room for one champion'. Everyone has an ego. Some can control it, others cannot. What Covington told me is that the moment came when Covington's success started to bother Masvidal in a way that he couldn't contain himself. What Masvidal says is that Colby didn't pay the coaches there (at American Top Team). I've never had this kind of problem with Colby. It pays, and it pays very well. Take good care of the coaches. (…) He appreciates everything he learns from us. (…) I don’t believe the problem was payment, because American Top Team has a millionaire owner who pays everyone,” he said.
Fight analysis
Even with Covington showing improvement in his striking in his last commitments, the clash in UFC 272 may be marked by a clash of styles. On one side, a wrestling specialist and, on the other, an aggressive athlete, famous for his knockouts. Present in Covington's daily life, Valverde, therefore, understands that there are many possibilities for a positive result for his pupil.
“The longer the fight goes, the worse it will be for Masvidal. Covington has that 'tangle', that wrestling, which will be great if he can get it together. We know that Masvidal starts very strong. (…) We are not underestimating Masvidal in any way. I see this fight unfolding naturally. Colby puts it on the fence, if he can take it down, take it down. (…) Could knock out if Masvidal worries too much about takedowns. It can be a technical knockout, submission or knockout. I believe 100% in Colby's victory. He is an athlete who is hungrier, despite being famous, number one in the rankings, he is still very hungry to be champion”, he concluded.
Athletes' history
No UFC 272, Colby covington will reach the mark of 20 fights as a professional in MMA. At 34 years old, the athlete is looking for his 17th triumph in the sport.
Ready to regain a place in the top 5 welterweights, Jorge masvidal arrives at the show for his 51st mixed martial arts challenge. Today, the 37-year-old American has 35 wins and 15 stumbles.
