The smile on Jorge Masvidal’s face said it all.
The UFC’s “BMF” champ shed no tears over the departure of Colby Covington from American Top Team, calling the ex-interim champ “a cancer” on the gym who will “end up fighting in Indian gaming halls for his life.”
“At the end of the day, he didn’t feel safe in here, man,” Masvidal said to ESPN. “I wonder why.”
Masvidal was one of several fighters at ATT who said they’d settle things with their fists after being the target of Covington’s trash talk. At the peak of the animosity against Covington, the gym’s owner, Dan Lambert, took special pains to keep the brash fighter away from those who might engage in an unsanctioned fight on gym property.
Lambert eventually created a rule against trash talking teammates that weren’t booked to fight, with the penalty for violation a pink slip from the gym. That was the beginning of the end, Covington said on Wednesday.
If there is one thing Masvidal and Covington agree on, the move was for the best.
“I’m not exaggerating what I’m saying – this is a temple for me,” Masvidal said. “It’s somewhat of a religious experience for me being in here, being in here since I was a kid, you know? My good days, my bad days, my birthdays, all days I’ve spent in this gym, sharpening my tools.
“I truly love this place, so I don’t like to see that animosity, even if he had never said a word about me, what type of teammate, or man – he’s not a man, but – with the sport that we’re in that you can insult a woman? He insulted Joanna [Jedrzejczyk]. He insulted Amanda [Nunes]. He insulted Dustin [Poirier]. These people are not in your weight class.
“I get it – you’re trying to do this thing that you’re some kind of heel. What’s that have to do with a woman? A 115-pound woman, or a 135-pound woman? Are you going to compete against them? Are you going to sell more pay-per-views because you’re talking about Amanda and Joanna? Answer me that. Is that’s what’s going to happen? People are going to be like, he’s talking smack about chicks, I’m going to go buy the pay-per-view? It just sets a bad example for our team and our sport.”
In the wake of Covington’s departure, Masvidal, who remains unbooked despite a title shot targeted by the promotion for UFC 251, said all memories of the welterweight have been scrubbed from the gym.
Once Covington’s roommate and public defender, Masvidal dismissed the 32-year-old UFC vet as yesterday’s news. He predicted Covington’s career would only sink further without the world-class gym’s resources.
“His next fight, he’s going to get knocked out, and he’s going to end up fighting in Indian gaming halls for his life, man,” Masvidal said. “I’m pretty sure he’s just done, man. Life is going to get him out of there. I don’t see him winning anymore – not at a high level. But if they give him some new guy who just came in, maybe. If they have him out there against top competition, he won’t hang.
“He’s a fragile dude, man. He’s not a guy that’s mentally strong. I remember he used to cry on my couch all the time. When he broke his hand the first time, he lived on my couch for eight, nine months. Didn’t have a job, couldn’t fight, had a broken hand, and he thought about quitting two or three times. So mentally, he’s weak. I’ve been hearing the same thing about the jaw. I’d be surprised if he even comes back to fight. He was going to fight with me? He wasn’t training anywhere. He was just [talking].”
MUST-READ STORIES
135. Dana White: Petr Yan vs. Jose Aldo targeted for vacant bantamweight title.
Last Week Tonight. UFC files four trademarks for ‘UFSEA,’ including events and merchandising.
Split. Colby Covington confirms split from American Top Team after being removed from team website.
Coronavirus. NSAC announces COVID-19 testing protocol for combat sports events.
Spider. Anderson Silva suggests ‘fantastic’ catchweight bout with Conor McGregor.
VIDEO STEW
The A-Side Live Chat.
All of Tyron Woodley’s finishes.
The UFC weighing in on Conor’s GOAT talk.
Top 10 Pride fights.
LISTEN UP
Heavy Hands. Breaking down the upcoming fights at UFC on ESPN 9.
UFC Unfiltered. Interviews with Katlyn Chookagian, Mackenzie Dern, and Pat McAfee.
SOCIAL MEDIA BOUILLABAISSE
Conor.
Don’t forget highest % ratio of KO’s, as well as fastest KO’s, both inside and outside the UFC. Also most titles won. Also most knockouts in most divisions. Also, I’m just the fucking GOAT.
— Conor McGregor (@TheNotoriousMMA) May 28, 2020
Get over it baby, and get with it!
It’s good on this side!
Come chill with the Billi GOAT! https://t.co/ZSo7t60rrs
8ko’s and 10ko’s that’s the lol for me. Gets me giddy.
— Conor McGregor (@TheNotoriousMMA) May 28, 2020
Switch the channel giddy.
A small part of me does wish I stayed around and fought Ortega and Fili and the gang though, imagine that damage! But you know yourself,
my balls were always just way too big for the baby jets.
Man, just love me! That’s all. Love me like you know you want to. Like you know you do!
— Conor McGregor (@TheNotoriousMMA) May 28, 2020
It will open up all the chambers of possibility!
True self honesty.
I’m the baddest at this game by fucking far.
I even storm the arena from the rooftops!
Seal Team Billi 6 GOAT.
Geronimo!
Good man.
Nothing but respect ✊ pic.twitter.com/gH26zThZoW
— Petr “No Mercy” Yan (@PetrYanUFC) May 28, 2020
Sure, why not.
Old roommates.
Poor Cov, banished from the people who got to know you best.
— Jon Bones Jones (@JonnyBones) May 28, 2020
This went on for quite some time. Check out the whole thread if you care.
Lol I fucking can’t anymore.
— Macy Chiasson (@macy_chiasson) May 27, 2020
Is this the message we want to continue to convey to not only our future leaders but to the disgusting already misogynistic dudes out here.
Are we here to fight and be role models or are we here for male followers and strip teases.#bringwmmaback https://t.co/vzPMYtZllI
Girl by putting other women down you’re contracting yourself. Who said I do anything for my male followers ? I have been fighting since I was 2 years old and just like you have other interests like tattoos I like to dance. Lmao simple
— Valerie Loureda (@valerielouredaa) May 27, 2020
Bleach blond is a thing, huh?
Boys are back at it! @Coachsunz @stylebender #slimthick #slimshady pic.twitter.com/oIwMnaFTQP
— Kai Kara France (@kaikarafrance) May 28, 2020
Oof.
Recently retired Henry Cejudo showed up to the professional wrestling show AEW Dynamite to accompany Mike Tyson, who was also flanked by Rashad Evans and Vitor Belfort. pic.twitter.com/oXRGSg6Bsi
— ESPN MMA (@espnmma) May 28, 2020
FIGHT ANNOUNCEMENTS
Jose Aldo (28-6) vs. Petr Yan (14-1); UFC 251, July 11.
Norman Parke (28-6-1) vs. Mateusz Gamrot (15-0); KSW 53, July 11.
Borys Mankowski (20-8-1) vs. Marcin Wrzosek (14-6); KSW 53, July 11.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Shouts to Steven Marrocco who threw a strong assist for today’s TMR. Teamwork makes the dream work.
Thanks for reading and see y’all tomorrow.
EXIT POLL
Poll
Who would win in a fight between Colby Covington and Jorge Masvidal?
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