As UFC matchups go, this is one of the most exciting bouts that UFC has staged in recent years. This upcoming fight is one of the most intriguing we can imagine, and though in this guide we’re focusing on the fighting styles, there is much more of a story to this than most other fights, and emotions are going to run high.
Anyone looking for an edge when it comes to online sports betting in LA will be doing plenty of research about the two fighters and their fighting styles. Betting sites tend to be the first to know about anything that might impact upon the fight, and odds will inevitably move a lot between now and the start of the fight.
Masvidal, 35, and his competitor Covington, 32, used to room together and train together at American Top Team. They even appeared in each other’s corners. They were best buds. Now, the tables have turned.
In 2017, Covington took a different path when he styled himself as the bad boy of UFC. He was involved in a number of high-profile controversies, including when he criticized Black Lives Matter. Following a bout in Brazil in 2017, fighting Demian Maia, he described the country as a “dump” and the citizens of the country as “filthy animals”.
In 2018, he won an interim title against Rafael dos Anjos but supposedly did not pay his coach, and this appears to be the root of the Masvidal feud.
Masvidal spoke out, as covered in our recent post: “He ripped off my coach, that was his coach. We were with him until his title fight. After he won the title, he owed him a certain amount of money, didn’t pay him. I said, ‘if you don’t pay him, I’m going to f*** you up’ … My coach got in between it, since then I ain’t talked to the dude.”
The hostility within ATT eventually led to Covington leaving and setting up a different team, and this incredible grudge match is the result.
The characters, and the tale of the rivalry, means that this is an exciting fight anyway, but with two styles that clash completely, who knows what is going to happen?
Masvidal’s style features far higher power and speed, and better timing when it comes to striking. A lot of people would say that in terms of technique, Masvidal is the greater fighter.
But it isn’t as simple as that…
Covington is a better wrestler and grappler, and he is amazing when it comes to staying upright and facing up to punishment against his opponents. He has a remarkable chin.
Against Usman, Masvidal did show a high level of resilience, so it is likely that this fight will go right to the wire.
Fighting on the floor could lead to Covington taking control, but if the two fight mainly on their feet then this is not likely to be the case. It could just take a few clean connections for Masvidal to stamp his authority. If it becomes a brawl or a scrap, Covington is likely to smother this strategy.
Ignoring technique, there is a strong likelihood that Covington will win the fight.
A word on Masvidal
Though we’ve focused largely on the huge character of Covington, it would be unwise to write off Masvidal. Since his incredible rise to prominence after knocking out Darren Till, and the fact that he knocked out Ben Askren after five seconds (a UFC record) he became a big name in the world of fighting.
A third-round stoppage against the huge name of Nate Diaz further improved Masvidal’s reputation. His striking and kicking is incredible. He can hook from multiple stances and is happy to change things up mid-fight.
Masvidal is an exciting prospect, and this fight is bound to be part of an ongoing feud – we really doubt that this will be the last time the two meet in the ring.
Summary
These are two fighters with very different fighting styles. You could consider Masvidal to be something of a purist’s fighter, with exceptional technique.
Jorge Masvidal won’t be favorite, though, as Covington has such a strong chin and a brawler attitude that could well see him through. Masvidal needs to prevent him from turning it into a scrap on the floor if he is going to manage to come through this fight with the win he covets. Whatever happens, it is bound to be an intriguing watch.
