Covington Vs. Masvidal: Who Won The UFC 272 Fight?

Alright guys, let's dive deep into one of the most anticipated fights in recent UFC history: Colby Covington versus Jorge Masvidal at UFC 272. This wasn't just any fight; it was a personal vendetta turned main event, and everyone was buzzing to see who would come out on top. These two used to be best friends, training partners at American Top Team, sharing dreams and aspirations. But like many things in life, friendships can sour, and boy, did this one go south. The tension leading up to this fight was palpable, filled with personal insults and heated exchanges that went way beyond typical fight trash talk. It felt like we were watching a real-life drama unfold, and the stakes were incredibly high for both fighters. They weren't just fighting for a win; they were fighting to prove a point, to settle a deeply rooted beef that had festered for years. The narrative was incredible – former brothers-in-arms turned bitter rivals, each looking to dismantle the other, not just physically but mentally. The intensity of their pre-fight interactions suggested that the outcome would have significant ramifications for their careers and their personal lives. It was the kind of storyline that grips the MMA world, leaving fans on the edge of their seats, eager to witness the brutal conclusion to their fractured relationship. The build-up alone was a masterclass in promotion, leveraging genuine animosity to create a spectacle that transcended the sport itself.

The Fight Itself: A Tactical Masterclass by "Chaos"

So, who actually won the fight, you ask? In the main event of UFC 272 on March 5, 2022, Colby "Chaos" Covington emerged victorious over Jorge "Gamebred" Masvidal via unanimous decision. It was a dominant performance by Covington, who showcased his wrestling prowess and relentless pressure throughout the five-round bout. From the get-go, Covington dictated the pace, using his superior wrestling to control Masvidal on the ground. He landed significant takedowns, stifled Masvidal's striking attempts, and consistently controlled the octagon. While Masvidal had his moments, particularly with some flashy striking exchanges, he struggled to consistently land significant damage or defend Covington's grappling. Covington's game plan was clear: wear Masvidal down with his wrestling and cardio, and that's exactly what he did. He averaged multiple takedowns per round, keeping Masvidal guessing and expending energy trying to get back to his feet. The scorecards reflected this dominance, with judges scoring the fight 50-44, 50-44, and 50-45 in favor of Covington. It was a performance that highlighted Covington's evolution as a fighter, proving that his striking had improved, but his wrestling remained his most formidable weapon. For Masvidal, it was a tough night at the office. Despite his reputation as a dangerous striker and a proven finisher, he couldn't find his rhythm against Covington's suffocating style. He landed some good shots, but they weren't enough to sway the judges or deter Covington's relentless pursuit. The fight was a testament to Covington's strategic approach and his ability to execute a game plan under pressure. He controlled the distance, managed the clock, and consistently pushed the action, leaving little room for Masvidal to mount a significant comeback. It was a tactical battle, and "Chaos" definitely came out on top, proving that his controversial persona is backed by a highly effective fighting style.

Key Moments and Fight Analysis

Let's break down some of the key moments from the Colby Covington vs. Jorge Masvidal fight, guys. This wasn't a fight with a single knockout blow, but rather a strategic chess match where Covington consistently chipped away at Masvidal. Early on, Covington established his wrestling. He secured crucial takedowns in the first round, immediately setting the tone. This wasn't just about getting Masvidal down; it was about controlling him there, grinding him out, and using energy. You could see Masvidal frustrated, unable to implement his usual striking game effectively. Covington's grappling was suffocating. He managed to keep Masvidal pinned, limiting his ability to generate power or escape. In the second round, Covington continued to press forward, landing combinations and mixing in more takedowns. Masvidal showed flashes of his dangerous striking, landing a few clean shots, but Covington seemed unfazed, absorbing them and continuing his relentless pressure. One of the most significant moments came in the third round when Covington secured a deep guillotine choke attempt. While Masvidal valiantly defended and escaped, it was a clear sign of Covington's offensive grappling and a moment that could have ended the fight. Masvidal's corner was urging him to push the pace and find the finish, but Covington's defensive wrestling and conditioning were simply superior. He weathered the storm and kept coming back with his own offensive attacks. Throughout the later rounds, Covington's cardio seemed to be the deciding factor. He was still pushing for takedowns and controlling the pace while Masvidal appeared to be tiring. The judges clearly favored Covington's control, volume of strikes, and significant grappling time. It wasn't the explosive, highlight-reel finish many might have hoped for, but it was a clinically effective performance by "Chaos." He proved that his wrestling and pressure are enough to neutralize even a dangerous striker like Masvidal. The fight really highlighted the contrast in their styles and how Covington's strategic approach trumped Masvidal's more opportunistic, explosive attacks. It was a masterclass in controlling the fight and taking the judges' scorecards.

What's Next for Covington and Masvidal?

So, with Covington taking the win, what's next for these two welterweight titans, guys? For Colby Covington, this victory solidified his position as a top contender in the welterweight division. He had already challenged for the title twice, losing to his teammate-turned-rival Kamaru Usman. This win over Masvidal was crucial for him to remain in the championship conversation. He's made it clear he wants another shot at the belt, and beating a fellow top-five contender like Masvidal certainly keeps that door open. His next move will likely involve another high-profile fight, potentially against another contender looking to climb the ladder, or perhaps a third fight against Usman if the UFC brass decides to book it down the line. He's proven he can beat the best, and he's not shy about calling out anyone and everyone to get his shot. Covington's relentless pursuit of the title is a defining characteristic, and he’ll continue to push for that ultimate prize. On the other hand, Jorge Masvidal faced a tougher crossroads after this loss. "Gamebred" has been in the UFC for a long time and has had his ups and downs. This loss to Covington, especially in such a personal fight, was a significant blow to his momentum. Masvidal's path forward becomes a bit more uncertain. He's still a dangerous fighter with knockout power, and he could still find success against other welterweights. However, he needs to rebuild his winning momentum and perhaps adjust his strategy against elite grapplers. A fight against another striker or someone he can match up well with stylistically might be on the cards. He's a fan favorite, and the UFC will likely want to keep him active and in exciting matchups. It's a challenge for Masvidal to bounce back, but he's proven resilient in the past. The welterweight division is always stacked, so there are plenty of options, but he'll need to make the most of his opportunities to get back into title contention. Both fighters are in fascinating positions, and their future bouts will be eagerly watched by the MMA community.

The Legacy of the Covington-Masvidal Rivalry

The rivalry between Colby Covington and Jorge Masvidal is one that will be talked about for years to come, guys. It transcends the typical fighter animosity. This was a case of friendship turned bitter enemy, fueled by perceived betrayals and professional jealousy. When they were teammates at ATT, they were inseparable, sharing a close bond that many fans admired. However, as both men rose through the welterweight ranks, their paths diverged, and the relationship soured. Reports and interviews from the time suggest that the split was due to various factors, including financial disagreements, perceived slights, and differing career ambitions. This personal animosity spilled over spectacularly into the public eye, creating one of the most intense and captivating rivalries the UFC has seen. The trash talk was brutal, personal, and relentless, blurring the lines between sport and reality. It made their eventual fight at UFC 272 an event of immense significance, not just for the welterweight division but for the narrative of the sport. The fight itself, while a tactical victory for Covington, was the culmination of years of built-up tension. It was the ultimate test of who could overcome not just the physical challenge but the emotional baggage that came with it. Regardless of the outcome, the story of their fractured friendship and their eventual, violent confrontation is a captivating chapter in MMA history. It serves as a stark reminder of how quickly relationships can change and how intense the pursuit of greatness can be in professional fighting. Their legacy is cemented not just by their fighting skills but by the compelling, albeit tragic, narrative that unfolded between them. It's a story that reminds us of the human element behind the fights, the personal stakes, and the deep emotions involved. The intensity of their beef was a perfect storm for MMA drama, and it delivered a memorable main event that fans will dissect for sure remember.