J. Masvidal (left) and C. Covington (right) were friends on 'American Top Team'. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram
This weekend, one of the biggest rivalries in sport today will finally be resolved in the octagon. Former training partners at 'American Top Team' and best friends in the past, Colby covington e Jorge masvidal resolve their differences in the main fight of the UFC 272, which takes place next Saturday (5).
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Covington and Masvidal had a great bond of friendship in the past, in addition to helping prepare fights in Ultimate. But, after all, at what point was there a break? And why do they hate each other so much? Now, the team at SUPER FIGHTS tells the story behind the rivalry and the public discussions between the athletes to explain the budding rivalry.
True friendship
how it started #UFC272 pic.twitter.com/Dkc5RZwh0Y
- UFC (@ufc) January 14, 2022
Colby-Jorge's bond was not like that of any other teammate, as the fighters were best friends and, in 2013, still at the beginning of their careers in Ultimate, they became roommates and not only limited themselves to martial arts, as well as watching films, series and sharing meals.
In fact, the two athletes helped each other during the training period to introduce themselves to the organization. Interestingly, Covington was even part of the corner of Jorge masvidal for a fight against To the fifth, in 2015. The partnership did not work out, as 'Jesus das Ruas' was defeated in a split decision by the judges. And this was a small sample of the disruption that would happen in the future.
Turning point…
P. Hernandez, J. Masvidal, and C. Covington. Photo: Reproduction/Yahoo
When two best friends reach the top, it's normal for there to be cordiality so they don't clash. In the welterweight division itself (up to 77kg.), for example, there is the case between Gilbert Durinho e Vincent Luque. The Brazilians highlighted that they have a 'brotherhood' relationship and a fight, therefore, is out of the question.
It was expected, then, that the same would happen with Colby and Jorge. However, shortly after winning the interim belt in a clash against Rafael dos Anjos, which took place in June 2018, Covington decided to break relations with then coach Paulino Hernandez, who asked for an agreement of 5% of the scholarship received as a form of recognition for the services provided, but was reportedly refuted by the North American, confirm version declared by Masvidal.
Two versions
In a recent interview, Masvidal stated that he had cut ties precisely because he felt ingratitude from his former friend, since, according to him, Colby did not value Paulino Hernandez. However, Covington gave his side of the story and claimed that Jorge would have been 'jealous' of the expressive triumph in front of Demian Maia No. UFC Sao Paulo October 2017, as 'Jesus das Ruas' hadn't even managed to beat him when the two faced each other.
'Chaos' even declared that, even before holding the interim belt, Masvidal also spoke badly about him behind his back to other training partners. Covington still considers this fact as one of the factors in his departure from 'American Top Team' under accusations that he had bad relationships with other teammates.
Public rivalry
I took this video at UFC241. Not sure what was going on but security stepped in. pic.twitter.com/pLKRx2pNjl
— Sonia (@Soniablade86) September 6, 2019
Despite the behind-the-scenes accusations, the two competitors had not yet exchanged major public barbs. The first big 'surge' took place at UFC 241, in August 2019, which featured a rematch between Daniel Cormier e Stipe Miocic in the main duel. Covington and Masvidal appeared at the Honda Center arena in Anaheim, California, as guests and were assertively offended, needing to be restrained by local security guards.
The fight then became an important milestone in the rivalry. Since then, they started exchanging accusations in the 'Twitter' and in interviews, including when Jorge masvidal measured forces against Nate diaz by the 'BMF' belt – which comes from the English abbreviation of 'Baddest Motherf**ker', or the 'Toughest son of a bitch'. -, which was mocked by Colby covington because, according to him, it is a false title. Coincidentally, now, UFC president Dana White has opened up the possibility of the two competing for the same symbolic title in the UFC 272.
'Nigerian Nightmare' and Covington's departure from 'ATT'
J. Masvidal (left) and C. Covington (right) lost to K. Usman. Photo: Montage/SUPER FIGHTS
Two of the main names in the under-77kg division, currently led by Kamaru Usman, Jorge masvidal e Colby covington They tried, both on two occasions, the linear title of the organization. However, they stopped the Nigerian's strength in similar ways – with a knockout suffered and another defeat by the judges' decision.
At the same time, Covington no longer had a healthy environment to continue in 'American Top Team'. In addition to Masvidal, the American also publicly offended Dustin poirier e Joanna Jedrzejczyk. Another big trigger was Colby's comment about Brazil, in which he cites the natives as 'filthy animals'. With Tupiniquin athletes in the gym and frequent provocations against teammates, the atmosphere became unsustainable and 'Chaos' had to follow its own path.
It's time!
After a long waiting time and intense period of provocations, the differences will be resolved in the UFC 272 next Saturday (5). The atmosphere of tension should continue in the octagon and the two athletes show no indication that the rivalry will end when the fight ends.
Current number one in the ranking of the group led by Kamaru Usman, Covington is looking to get back on the winning track. The last challenger for the division title, 'Caos' had already expressed interest in facing Jorge after losing to the champion in the UFC 268. In his career, there are 16 wins and three defeats.
An audience phenomenon in his fights, Masvidal is also trying to recover from the blow he suffered against Kamaru. Today, 'Jesus das Ruas' is sixth in the category, with a record of 35 positive results and 15 negative results.
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