Masvidal Loses To Covington Via Unanimous Decision At Main Event Of UFC 272

Masvidal started the fight with a flying front kick, similar to the famous flying knee he used against Ben Askren. Covington went for the early takedown when it did not land. While Gamebred successfully resisted his early attempts, he spent the majority of the opening round on the defensive or on the ground.

Masvidal had some success with leg kicks as the bout progressed to the second round. He also put together some combinations and had Covington on the ground, but he followed him there and made a mistake.

Covington shifted positions and threatened with a choke before finishing the round with punches of his own.

Round three was exactly what Covington was looking for. He got a takedown early on and never allowed his opponent a chance to work. Even when Masvidal established a small amount of room, Chaos quickly filled it.

In the end, Covington’s ground-and-pound and a choking attempt were enough for some to call the round a 10-8 victory for him.

In the fourth round, Masvidal swung the tide for a brief while. He delivered a flush right hand that temporarily slowed Covington, but he did not go for the finish, and Covington was able to recover.

Masvidal’s best chance to pull off the upset came at that point. In the fifth and final round, Covington regained control of the battle.

In a rivalry that became acrimonious in the build-up to the fight, Chaos now holds the upper hand. They were formerly tight as both boxers came up through American Top Team, but their friendship deteriorated, and Covington left the gym.

More importantly for the 34-year-old, the victory will keep him relevant in the division, given both boxers entered the battle having lost to reigning champion Kamaru Usman.

Covington, on the other hand, appears to be looking for a fight outside of the welterweight division. By taking on lightweight challenger Dustin Poirier, he hopes to settle another personal score.

Even though Leon Edwards is due to battle Usman for the welterweight title next, Covington did not seem interested in fighting the winner at the moment.

Speaking with reporters after the victory, Covington said: “I could care less who wins [between Kamaru Usman and Leon Edwards]. I’m just worried about my business on Saturday night and handling another personal beef with Dustin Poirier next. That fight needs to happen. He’s talked too reckless in the media.”