Colby Covington and Jorge Masvidal are finally set to clash with the two welterweights main eventing UFC 272. If you're looking for protein, this is the fight for you as there is plenty of BEEF. The two former friends fell out over Covington failing to pay one of Masvidal's coaches. Some speculate that it's all an act and the two are just doing a bit. Bit or not, they're set to fight and the matchup is a very interesting one. Covington brings a high-volume striking game that mixes in plenty of wrestling. Masvidal is an excellent boxer with sneaky power and good takedown defense. The stakes are high as both men have two losses to the champion, Kamaru Usman. The loser could find themselves in no man's land and struggle to keep moving up the division at welterweight.
Colby Covington brings a high-level grappling game that he couples with a high-volume approach and excellent cardio. He fights in the southpaw stance and has proven to be very tricky for most opponents so far. His high-volume style drowns many opponents and can break most fighters. The threat of the takedown also freezes many opponents as Covington can be relentless with his chain wrestling. The UFC welterweight is an excellent wrestler and has a style that is tricky for many opponents. His persona can take away from his fighting but don't be fooled, this man is a problem for most opponents.
Jorge Masvidal has been in MMA for what feels like forever. The Cuban-American has excellent boxing with slick punching. He sports a good wrestling game and works with an excellent camp in American Top Team. Masvidal has sneaky power and has shown the ability to knock out great fighters over his career. A big issue he used to have is he would coast through the fight and avoid danger while not scoring enough on offense. He used to lose close fights back at lightweight and even early on at welterweight. When he's on, Masvidal is a problem for anyone, and his striking is better than most fighters. He lit up Nate Diaz in a way that no one else has before.
Here are the UFC 272 odds, featuring our Covington-Masvidal prediction, courtesy of FanDuel.
UFC 272 Odds: Covington-Masvidal Odds
Colby Covington (-330)
Jorge Masvidal (+265)
Over 4.5 rounds (-142)
Under 4.5 rounds (+112)
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How Colby Covington Wins The Fight At UFC 272
Colby Covington is the favorite for good reason. His style is tough to beat and he's very reliable. The Oregon native has to make things ugly in order to win. Striking with Jorge Masvidal is not a good idea and Covington has shown that he can be hurt. Forcing Masvidal against the fence and looking for takedowns will be key. Masvidal's tendency to coast could hurt him here. This is a case where winning the opening rounds with wrestling and pressure will be key. Covington has a good style to beat Masvidal as long as he doesn't stay content to strike with him for five rounds. Covington wins a decision.
How Jorge Masvidal Wins The Fight At UFC 272
Jorge Masvidal is the superior striker and that will show when Colby Covington tries to strike with him. Masvidal needs to keep the fight standing and look for counters. He has a mean left hook and Covington has shown he can be hit by them. Being aggressive early on and capitalizing on a mistake will be very important for Masvidal to win this contest. A decision could be won but Covington's grinding style will make that difficult. Covington is hittable and Masvidal has the power to give him trouble. Masvidal's best path to victory is by finding an opening and getting the knockout. Masvidal wins by knockout.
Final Covington-Masvidal Prediction & Pick
In a pressure wrestler vs striker matchup, the safest pick is always the wrestler. Jorge Masvidal's striking is excellent and Colby Covington knows that. His game plan will most likely be keeping Masvidal against the fence and aggressively looking for the takedown. Covington has the cardio to go all five rounds and that should not be a problem. Masvidal is always capable of landing a big shot which is why the winner will be determined by where the fight takes place. Masvidal is very hard to finish and Covington is not much of a finisher. The most likely outcome is Covington by decision with a not so fun gameplan.
Final Covington-Masvidal Pick: Colby Covington (-330) wins by decision.
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