Masvidal Vs. Covington: Who Really Won?

Guys, let's dive into one of the most talked-about rivalries in UFC history: Jorge Masvidal versus Colby Covington. This fight wasn't just a clash of styles; it was a grudge match fueled by personal animosity, making it an unforgettable event for MMA fans. We’ll break down the fight, discuss the implications, and figure out who really came out on top, even beyond the official decision.

The Lead-Up to the Grudge Match

Before we get into the nitty-gritty of the fight itself, it's crucial to understand the backstory. Jorge Masvidal and Colby Covington were once close friends and training partners at American Top Team. Over time, their relationship soured, leading to a bitter feud filled with trash talk and personal insults. This genuine animosity added an extra layer of intensity to their eventual showdown at UFC 272.

The animosity between Masvidal and Covington was palpable. Both fighters engaged in relentless trash talk, attacking each other’s character, family, and career. This wasn't just promotional hype; the dislike was real and deeply personal. The buildup included interviews, social media exchanges, and press conferences where the two fighters made no secret of their disdain for each other. For instance, Covington frequently referred to Masvidal as “Street Judas,” while Masvidal often mocked Covington’s political affiliations and personal life. This intense and personal rivalry captivated the MMA community, drawing in fans who were eager to see the two settle their differences inside the Octagon. The personal nature of the feud ensured that the fight would be more than just a sporting event; it was a grudge match with real emotional stakes. As the fight approached, the tension continued to escalate. Media appearances became more heated, and both fighters made increasingly personal and inflammatory remarks. This heightened the sense of anticipation and made the fight a must-see event for both hardcore MMA fans and casual observers. The backstory provided a compelling narrative that transcended the typical pre-fight hype, making it one of the most anticipated matchups in recent UFC history. The genuine animosity ensured that the fight would be intensely competitive and emotionally charged, adding another layer of excitement for the viewers.

The Fight: A Breakdown

The fight took place on March 5, 2022, at UFC 272. Colby Covington employed his signature wrestling-heavy approach, consistently taking Jorge Masvidal down and controlling him on the ground. While Masvidal had his moments, particularly with his striking, Covington's relentless pressure and grappling proved to be the deciding factor.

In the first round, Covington immediately implemented his game plan, pressing forward and securing an early takedown. Masvidal struggled to defend against Covington’s wrestling, spending a significant portion of the round on his back. Covington’s top control was effective, as he landed short punches and maintained dominant positions. Masvidal attempted to create space and get back to his feet, but Covington’s pressure kept him grounded. The round ended with Covington in control, setting the tone for the rest of the fight. In the second round, Masvidal started to find his rhythm on the feet, landing some clean punches and kicks. However, Covington quickly adjusted and returned to his wrestling, securing another takedown. On the ground, Covington continued to control Masvidal, preventing him from mounting any significant offense. Masvidal’s defensive grappling improved slightly, but he was still unable to escape Covington’s pressure. The round was a mix of striking exchanges and grappling, with Covington maintaining a slight edge. The third round saw Masvidal have his best moment of the fight, landing a powerful right hand that visibly stunned Covington. For a moment, it seemed like Masvidal might be able to turn the tide, but Covington quickly recovered and clinched, taking the fight back to the ground. Covington’s ability to weather the storm and return to his game plan demonstrated his resilience and determination. On the ground, Covington once again controlled Masvidal, neutralizing his striking threat. In the fourth and fifth rounds, Covington’s wrestling dominance continued. He repeatedly took Masvidal down and controlled him on the ground, stifling any attempts at a comeback. Masvidal showed heart and grit, but he was unable to solve Covington’s relentless pressure and grappling. Covington’s conditioning and relentless pace were evident as he maintained his level of activity throughout the fight. The judges ultimately scored the fight in favor of Covington, solidifying his victory. Despite Masvidal’s moments of success, Covington’s consistent wrestling and control were the deciding factors in the bout. The fight highlighted Covington’s strengths as a wrestler and his ability to implement his game plan effectively, while also exposing some of Masvidal’s weaknesses in defending against takedowns and maintaining position on the ground.

The Official Result

The judges scored the fight 49-46, 50-44, and 50-45 in favor of Colby Covington, declaring him the unanimous decision winner. While Masvidal had his moments, Covington's wrestling and control were the deciding factors.

The judges’ scorecards reflected Covington's dominance in the wrestling exchanges and his ability to control the fight on the ground. The unanimous decision underscored the consistency of Covington’s performance across all five rounds. While Masvidal had brief periods of success, particularly with his striking, he was ultimately unable to overcome Covington’s relentless pressure and grappling. The scorecards indicated that Covington won at least four of the five rounds on all three judges’ scorecards, demonstrating the clear margin of his victory. The 50-44 and 50-45 scores suggested that some judges felt Covington had dominated the fight to a significant extent. These scores highlighted Covington’s effective game plan and his ability to execute it consistently throughout the bout. Masvidal’s supporters argued that the scorecards did not fully reflect his moments of success and that he had landed some significant strikes that could have potentially changed the course of the fight. However, the judges ultimately prioritized Covington’s control and wrestling dominance, leading to the unanimous decision. The official result confirmed Covington’s status as the victor and solidified his position in the welterweight division. For Masvidal, the loss was a setback, but it also highlighted areas for improvement in his grappling and takedown defense. The fight served as a reminder of the importance of a well-rounded skill set in MMA, and the official result accurately reflected Covington’s superior performance on the night.

Beyond the Decision: Who Really Won?

Okay, so Covington got the official win. But in a rivalry this intense, sometimes the story goes beyond the scorecards. Did Covington really win? Let's consider a few angles:

• Bragging Rights: Covington certainly earned the bragging rights. He neutralized Masvidal's striking and imposed his will. No question about it, he could talk smack and back it up.
• Damage: While Covington controlled the fight, Masvidal landed some significant strikes. However, Covington's wrestling-heavy game plan minimized the damage he took.
• Future Prospects: The win solidified Covington's position as a top contender in the welterweight division, while Masvidal's loss raised questions about his future in the sport.

Covington’s victory earned him significant bragging rights, especially given the personal animosity between the two fighters. He was able to silence Masvidal’s trash talk and prove his superiority inside the Octagon. Covington’s performance demonstrated his ability to execute his game plan effectively and impose his will on his opponent. This victory allowed him to claim the moral high ground in the rivalry, at least for the time being. While Masvidal had his moments, Covington’s consistent control and wrestling dominance left no doubt as to who the better fighter was on that night. The win provided Covington with a significant boost in confidence and reinforced his status as a top competitor in the welterweight division. From a damage perspective, Covington’s wrestling-heavy game plan proved to be effective in minimizing the impact of Masvidal’s striking. By taking the fight to the ground, Covington reduced the opportunities for Masvidal to land his powerful punches and kicks. While Masvidal did manage to connect with some significant strikes, Covington was able to absorb the damage and continue to execute his game plan. This resilience and ability to weather the storm were crucial to his victory. Covington’s approach not only secured the win but also protected him from taking unnecessary punishment, allowing him to remain fresh and focused throughout the fight. Looking at future prospects, Covington’s win solidified his position as a top contender in the welterweight division. The victory over Masvidal enhanced his reputation and kept him in the title picture. Covington’s performance demonstrated his ability to compete at the highest level, and he remained a formidable challenge for any fighter in the division. For Masvidal, the loss raised questions about his future in the sport. While he remained a popular and exciting fighter, the defeat highlighted areas for improvement and potentially limited his opportunities for title contention. Covington’s victory positioned him for future high-profile matchups, while Masvidal faced the challenge of rebuilding his momentum and re-establishing himself as a top contender.

Final Verdict

Colby Covington won the fight fair and square. His wrestling and relentless pressure were too much for Jorge Masvidal to handle. While Masvidal remains a dangerous striker, Covington's game plan and execution secured him the victory and the bragging rights in this heated rivalry. Ultimately, the fight underscored the importance of a well-rounded skill set in MMA, where wrestling, striking, and grappling all play crucial roles in determining the outcome.

In conclusion, Colby Covington’s victory over Jorge Masvidal was a testament to his superior wrestling skills and relentless pressure. While Masvidal had his moments, Covington’s consistent control and effective game plan secured him the win. The fight not only settled a personal score but also highlighted the importance of a well-rounded skill set in MMA. Covington’s triumph solidified his position as a top contender in the welterweight division, while Masvidal faced the challenge of rebuilding his momentum. The rivalry between these two fighters captivated the MMA community, and the outcome of their fight provided a definitive answer to the question of who was the better man inside the Octagon. Despite the animosity and trash talk, the fight ultimately showcased the competitive spirit and skill of both athletes. Covington’s victory served as a reminder of the effectiveness of wrestling in MMA and the importance of executing a well-defined game plan. For Masvidal, the loss highlighted areas for improvement and the need to adapt and evolve in a constantly changing sport. The fight between Covington and Masvidal will be remembered as a significant moment in UFC history, not only for the rivalry but also for the strategic and tactical elements that determined the outcome. Covington’s win was a well-deserved victory that solidified his place among the elite fighters in the welterweight division. The final verdict is clear: Colby Covington emerged as the victor, both in terms of the official scorecards and in the broader context of the rivalry.