Things change fast in the world of MMA, as just a few weeks after plans for Jorge Masvidal – Nate Diaz 2 were announced, the UFC is switching gears.
Dana White says Colby Covington – Jorge Masvidal “makes sense”
At the beginning of the month, it was reported that the UFC had decided to book a rematch between Masvidal and Diaz. Ever since the two fought in November, 2019, and Masvidal won the bout via TKO (due to a doctor stoppage), there’s been talk about a do-over.
Since Masvidal is coming off a decision loss to welterweight champion Kamaru Usman, the timing for the fight seemed right.
But, that was before Covington cruised to a decision win over Tyron Woodley at UFC Vegas 11 last weekend.
Following that bout, Covington called for a bout with Masvidal, if a rematch with Usman isn’t tabled. The champ, however, is expected to fight Gilbert Burns in December.
After UFC 253 wrapped up on Saturday, White was asked about the UFC’s plans for Covington, and he reported this (quote via MMA Junkie).
“It’s very possible (Masivdal vs. Covington) is next,” White said.
“… I don’t know if we’ve even talked to Nate yet. But yeah, after the Colby fight (vs. Tyron Woodley), how do you not make that fight? That’s the fight that makes sense.”
“The Nate Diaz rematch is going to be there no matter what happens,” White said.
But will Covington – Masvidal happen?
So, there’s a couple of things to look at here. As far as Covington – Masvidal making “sense”, it’s hard to argue with White.
While a lot of people would like to see Masvidal and Diaz run it back, there does seem to be more buzz these days about “Gamebred” fighting “Chaos”. After all, there is a compelling backstory to the grudge match, and Diaz hasn’t fought since he lost to Masvidal.
But, will Masvidal agree to fight Covington? Considering the timing of all this?
No one should argue that Masvidal is afraid to fight Colby. The welterweight is called “Gamebred” for a reason and Masvidal has fought plenty of top contenders before, including decorated wrestlers.
You have to wonder, however, if he and his team are keen to take that fight now. On paper, there are certainly reasons to believe that a bout between Colby and Jorge would unfold in a similar way to what happened in his bout with Usman.
It wasn’t that long ago when Masvidal was one of the hottest commodities in the MMA world. But, if Masvidal were to lose another fight right now, even if he emerges relatively unscathed, it would still be a significant setback.
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