Colby Covington is providing his “genuine opinion” on Jorge Masvidal’s decision to retire from UFC. The event UFC 287 occurred on Saturday, April 8th, at the Kaseya Center in Miami, Florida.
In the co-main event, Gilbert Burns (22-5 MMA) and Jorge Masvidal (35-17 MMA) faced off in a welterweight match, which ended in a unanimous decision victory for the Brazilian fighter.
Jorge Masvidal has retired in Miami.
Happy trails @GamebredFighter š«”t#UFC287 pic.twitter.com/Dw2ymoyCoM
— UFC on TNT Sports (@ufcontnt) April 9, 2023
After his defeat, Jorge, who will turn 39 later this year, declared his retirement. Numerous fans and fighters expressed their admiration for Masvidal and his illustrious career.
Now, it is Covington’s chance to comment on his opponent’s retirement. In a recent appearance on “Submission Radio,” Covington talked about Masvidal’s decision to retire, saying:
Colby Covington on Jorge Masvidalās retirement:
āHe was retired after I beat him. Heās a broken man. Thereās a reason that he came out and did what he did to me in the streets like a little clown. Thereās no pride in that guy.ā
(via @SubmissionRadio) pic.twitter.com/OQCtQbJE3P
— Spinnin Backfist (@SpinninBackfist) April 10, 2023
āIām just (finding) that out now. Thatās interesting. If Iām gonna give my honest take, he retired after I beat him. Heās a broken man. Thereās a reason he came out and did what he did in the streets, like a little clown. Thereās no pride in that guy. He just didnāt want to have to live the rest of his life knowing that he retired off of getting his ass beat by me.ā
Covington is referring to his victory over Masvidal by unanimous decision at UFC 272 in March 2022. It was after this fight that Masvidal purportedly assaulted Colby outside a Papi Steak establishment in Miami Beach, Florida.
Colby Covington Beats Jorge Masvidal at UFC 272
On Saturday, at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Colby Covington attained a unanimous-decision triumph over his former teammate and friend Jorge Masvidal in the main event of UFC 272.
Covington is a wizard on the mat š¤¼āāļø
STREAM #UFC272 NOW ā¶ļø https://t.co/6oZzS1vRgm pic.twitter.com/yxRC87t4UE
— ESPN MMA (@espnmma) March 6, 2022
At the beginning of the fight, Masvidal initiated with a flying front kick, which resembled his renowned flying knee against Ben Askren. However, the kick missed, and Covington subsequently attempted an early takedown.
Although Gamebred prevented Covington’s early tries, he spent a considerable portion of the first round defending or on the ground.
In a rivalry that became increasingly acrimonious in the lead-up to the fight, Chaos now has the official bragging rights. Both fighters emerged from American Top Team, and they were once close, but their relationship soured, and Covington left the gym.
They were ready to keep going after the bell š
[ #UFC272 | LIVE on ESPN+ PPV: https://t.co/A6HVDURxXf ] pic.twitter.com/O8YPcVDbtI
— UFC (@ufc) March 6, 2022
Result of Jorge Masvidal vs Gilbert Burns at UFC 287
At UFC 287, Masvidal endured his fourth consecutive loss after dropping a unanimous decision to Burns. Masvidal arrived at this crucial encounter on a three-fight losing streak.
Having not won since securing the inaugural ‘BMF’ title against Nate Diaz in November 2019. As for Burns, he had lost to Khamzat Chimaev in an enthralling Fight of the Year candidate in April.
But rebounded in January by skillfully submitting the veteran contender Neil Magny.
At the onset of the welterweight clash between the rivals, Masvidal struck two solid leg kicks and the chants of “Let’s go Jorge” reverberated throughout the Kaseya Center.
Burns landed a decent right hand, but it only brushed Masvidal’s chin, who then answered back with a flurry of punches. Burns almost exploited Masvidal’s overextension on a right hand by attempting a takedown, but ‘Gamebred’ managed to remain upright.
The judges unanimously scored the bout 30-27, 30-27, and 29-28 in favor of Burns, and upon hearing the decision, Masvidal declared his retirement from the sport.
‘Gamebred’ removed his gloves and delivered a heartfelt message to the Miami audience. Even acknowledging former US President Donald Trump, who was present cage-side for UFC 287.
