UFC star Jorge Masvidal faces trial for alleged assault of Colby Covington
UFC welterweight contender Jorge Masvidal is set to stand trial for allegedly assaulting his former friend and rival Colby Covington outside a steak restaurant in Miami last year.
Masvidal, 38, has pleaded not guilty to single counts of aggravated battery and criminal mischief, which are both second-degree felonies in Florida. If found guilty, Masvidal could face up to 15 years in prison and/or a $10,000 fine for each charge, with additional penalties possible for the criminal mischief charge, which involves damaging property worth more than $1,000.
According to the police report, the alleged incident took place on Dec. 18, 2022, around 10 p.m., when Masvidal and Covington crossed paths at the Prime 112 restaurant. The report states that Masvidal approached Covington and punched him in the face, causing him to fall to the ground. Masvidal then allegedly kicked Covington several times in the head and body, while Covington tried to cover up and defend himself. Masvidal also allegedly smashed Covington’s phone, which was valued at $1,200.
The report says that several witnesses intervened and separated the two fighters, who were then escorted out of the restaurant by security. Covington was taken to a nearby hospital, where he was treated for a concussion, a chipped tooth, and multiple bruises and cuts. Masvidal fled the scene before the police arrived, but was later identified by the witnesses and the surveillance footage.
The alleged incident took place roughly two weeks after Covington defeated Masvidal by unanimous decision in the UFC 272 headliner, which was billed as one of the most anticipated grudge matches in UFC history. The two fighters had a long-standing feud that stemmed from their former friendship and training partnership, which turned sour after Covington allegedly failed to pay Masvidal’s striking coach for his services and started to trash talk Masvidal and his family.
Neither Masvidal nor Covington has competed since the alleged incident, though Masvidal is scheduled to fight April 8 vs. Gilbert Burns in Miami, in what could be his last fight before the trial. Covington has not announced his next fight, but has expressed his desire to rematch UFC welterweight champion Kamaru Usman, who defeated him twice by TKO.
Masvidal’s attorney, Zangeneh, has expressed optimism that the case can be settled before trial, but has also said that he is ready to defend his client in court. Covington’s attorney, Smith, has said that he is seeking justice and compensation for his client, who he claims suffered physical, emotional, and financial damages as a result of the attack.
The trial is scheduled to begin on May 22, 2023, in Miami-Dade County court. Judge James will preside over the case, which is expected to draw significant media and public attention.
