[ad_1]
This Saturday, March 5, at UFC 272, two of the largest welterweight contenders within the UFC go head-to-head for the primary time. Not too way back, Colby “Chaos” Covington and Jorge “Gamebred” Masvidal weren’t solely teammates however the very best of associates. They skilled collectively, slept collectively, bled collectively, celebrated collectively.
Now, the 2 greatest associates have turned bitter rivals — what was as soon as “us towards the world” has change into “me vs you.”
The 2 Florida-based fighters will meet inside the partitions of the Octagon for what may very well be a combat of the yr contender.
Covington vs Masvidal — From like to hate
Battle followers have seen the course of this relationship in real-time. Solely 4 years in the past did we see Masvidal within the nook of Covington, as he defeated Rafael dos Anjos to say the interim welterweight championship title. But, solely a yr later, Covington’s absence within the nook of his teammate on the latter’s bout towards Nate Diaz for the BMF title was noticeable. Two years later, Covington’s dramatic departure from American High Staff was there for all to see.
Each “Chaos” and “Gamebred” are coming into this combat off of a loss towards present welterweight champion Kamaru Usman — Covington surviving a full five rounds and dropping by unanimous resolution whereas Masvidal suffered a devastating second-round knockout.
Now the first- and sixth-ranked contenders lastly face one another in Las Vegas this weekend. Let’s see how the 2 evaluate.
“Chaos” within the Octagon
Colby Covington’s wrestling background is not any secret, as followers have seen this within the case of his interim championship combat towards RDA, however there’s extra to “Chaos” than this. His TKO win towards Max Griffin, his TKO win towards Tyron Woodley, they’ve proven that Covington has energy in his fingers — and he’s not afraid to make use of it within the slightest.
Covington additionally has the cardio to match. Fifty % of his 13 wins have come by resolution, proving that his fuel tank is able to going all the way in which. Regardless of being rocked a number of instances throughout his 5-round bout towards Usman, “Chaos” was in a position to maintain his personal and nonetheless throw some robust punches in return.
All through his profession within the UFC, Covington confirmed that he’s able to going wherever the combat takes him and that psychological angle, in addition to his huge talent set, is what’s going to assist him this Saturday. However will that be sufficient?
A possibility for “Gamebred”
The place Covington strives within the floor sport, Masvidal excels on the toes. Recognized for his notorious 5-second flying knee knockout towards Ben Askren, “Gamebred” has lived and breathed the placing sport for many of his life. But in addition, not like Covington, Masvidal is extraordinarily methodological in his placing.
Masvidal has a popularity for being a chilly and calculating fighter. All his strikes are well-timed, and he doesn’t get forward of himself, not like most fighters within the sport. Throughout his fights towards Darren Until, Stephen Thompson, and even towards Nate Diaz, “Gamebred” threw photographs that rocked his opponents, however fairly than dashing in and throwing wildly, he calmly closed the hole and threw extra devastating photographs.
Masvidal is the extra skilled contestant on this bout, not solely being 4 years Covington’s senior but additionally with a complete of fifty skilled fights below his belt in comparison with the 19 of “Chaos.” However is expertise sufficient to win this heated matchup? Solely time will inform.
UFC 272’s foremost card begins at 10 p.m. EST and is offered for buy on ESPN+.
Featured Picture credit score:
Embed from Getty Images
[ad_2]
Source link
