UFC Rivals Colby Covington and Jorge Masvidal in $100K Lawsuit Over Street Assault

Covington claims disfigurement and mental anguish from Masvidal attack after UFC 272 fight

Apr. 11, 2026 at 3:15pm

A cubist, geometric painting depicting a fractured, multi-perspective view of a UFC fight, with sharp planes of red, blue, and yellow colors representing the intensity and aggression of the sport.The legal battle between UFC rivals Colby Covington and Jorge Masvidal reflects the need for more sportsmanship in the sport.Covington Today

Colby Covington, a prominent UFC welterweight, is suing his former training partner Jorge Masvidal for over $100,000 in damages following a brutal street assault that occurred after their fight at UFC 272. Covington claims the attack left him disfigured, citing a chipped tooth, and has caused him mental anguish and potential loss of earnings. Masvidal has pleaded guilty to misdemeanor battery, but Covington is seeking further civil justice through the courts.

Why it matters

This case highlights the darker side of rivalries in the world of mixed martial arts, where personal disputes can escalate into dangerous physical altercations even outside of competition. The outcome could set a precedent for how fighters handle disputes and may encourage a more civil approach to settling scores in the future.

The details

The assault occurred after Masvidal's loss to Covington at UFC 272. Covington's legal team is arguing that the attack left him disfigured, with a chipped tooth, and has caused him mental anguish and potential loss of earnings. While Masvidal has pleaded guilty to misdemeanor battery, Covington is seeking over $100,000 in damages through a civil lawsuit.

  • The assault occurred after Masvidal's loss to Covington at UFC 272 on April 9, 2022.
  • Covington filed the civil lawsuit against Masvidal in April 2026.

The players

Colby Covington

A prominent UFC welterweight fighter who is suing his former training partner Jorge Masvidal for over $100,000 in damages following a street assault.

Jorge Masvidal

A UFC fighter who pleaded guilty to misdemeanor battery for the street assault on his former training partner Colby Covington.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Masvidal out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights the need for better sportsmanship and respect in the world of MMA, as personal disputes can escalate into dangerous physical altercations with lasting consequences for the fighters involved.