UFC welterweight Jorge “Gamebred” Masvidal has earned himself a stay away order from Colby Covington. This comes following Masvidal’s assault on Covington outside Papi’s Steakhouse in Miami earlier this month, with the 37-year-old fighter facing serious felony charges.
Masvidal will plead not guilty to the assault, instead claiming mutual combat. Colby Covington, on the other hand, is suing for damages, with Masvidal facing charges of aggravated battery. According to court documents, that means Masvidal struck Covington with a deadly weapon that caused serious bodily injury. In this case, that was a “brain injury”.
Masvidal Pleads Not Guilty to Covington Assault, Issued Stay Away Order
A police report indicated that Covington sustained a fractured tooth and an abrasion on his wrist following the assault. Masivdal also faces a criminal mischief charge. Covington told police that Masivdal damaged his $90,000 Rolex.
Covington’s attorney requested the stay away order for Masvidal because Jorge Masvidal failed to appear before a judge for his initial hearing. Jorge Masvidal must now stay 25 feet away from Covington in public places, or any vehicle Colby “Chaos” Covington may be travelling in. He must also remain 500 feet from Covington’s home, and may not contact Covington a phone, texting, social media, emails, or through a third party.
Jorge Masvidal and Colby’s long, fractious relationship came to a head in the lead-up to UFC 272. The pair were once “best friends” and roommates, until Colby’s trash-talking persona led to a serious falling out at American Top Team, the gym where both trained, some years ago. Since then, the pair have engaged in a seemingly endless mud-slinging match via the media that has only intensified as their respective stars rose within the UFC.
Masvidal vs Covington headlined UFC 272, with Covington dominating the fight for all five rounds. Colby’s high-pressure wrestling proved to be too much for Jorge Masvidal, who was unable to make his ordinarily potent striking count against the former interim welterweight champ.
Following the fight, Masvidal threatened Covington in response to Covington’s trash talk targeted at Masvidal’s children. He promised to attack Colby should the two ever run into one another in Miami. It was unsurprising, then, when Jorge Masvidal surprised Covington outside the Papi Steak restaurant in Miami, punching Covington in the head while yelling “you shouldn’t have been talking about my kids!”
The next step in the case is a status hearing scheduled for May 12. What do you think of the latest development in the Masvidal vs Covington beef? Let us know in the comments.
