Colby Covington dominates Jorge Masvidal in grudge match at UFC 272

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Colby is not going anywhere any time soon, as much as some would like to see it.

The foul-mouthed, polarizing star picked up arguably the biggest win of his career against his friend and former sparring partner, Masvidal, via unanimous decision in the main event of UFC 272 on Saturday night here at T-Mobile Arena. Masvidal was able to hang in there until the end, despite the dominance of the Covington's wrestling, pressure and striking.

In the postfight news conference, he said that it wasn't his best performance. At one point in my career, that was a real friend of mine. I let my feelings get the best of me. It was still in charge. I showed the world how good I was.

After calling out one of his former training partners, he said he would like to compete again in July.

"I will see you soon, you're next!" said Covington.

Masvidal dropped Covington in the fourth round. The majority of the fight was held by Covington. After the bell, Covington blew his kisses and stuck out his tongue at Masvidal.

Masvidal said he should have had more moments like that.

The fight was billed as one of the biggest grudge matches in UFC history and a rare non-title pay-per-view main event that didn't include either of the two fighters. The crowd was behind Masvidal. There were some Colby chants.

Masvidal and Covington were roommates and teammates. Masvidal was a mentor to Covington when he arrived at American Top Team. Masvidal helped teach Covington how to strike.

The two men are no longer able to stand together. Masvidal stabbed him in the back because he was jealous of his success. Masvidal says that Covington stiffed its coach on pay.

This fight was not about rankings or titles. The goal was to get a score. Both Masvidal and Covington are elite athletes. Both of them are multiple-time UFC title challengers. According to ESPN, Masvidal was ranked 10th in the world at his weight class.

The second-most in UFC history is the number of takedowns that Colby Covington has landed in his career. In significant strikes, Masvidal was outlanded 94-67 by Covington. The 25-minute bout was controlled by Covington. In the second round, Masvidal outlanded Covington in significant strikes.

UFC president Dana White said in the postfight news conference that he makes you worry about the takedown. It sets up the striking for him because you have to defend that takedown all night.

Masvidal was put in a precarious, leg-ride position early in the first round by a relatively early takedown by Covington. Masvidal was back on multiple occasions. Masvidal landed some leg kicks and elbows in the second round. Masvidal stayed off his back as he hit on some nice punching combinations.

The first round was very similar to the third round, with Covington getting the takedown early. He did more damage with the third-round take down, landing punches from the guard. In the fourth round, he came out firing with his punches. Masvidal saw an opening and dropped Covington with a right hook, but he was too worried about a Covington takedown to take advantage of it.

Masvidal said he was tired and hurt. That was my chance. I did not take that opening.

In the fifth, Masvidal was unable to work his way back up the rest of the way after getting an early takedown.

White said, "After a while, no matter how much you hate him, you have to respect him."

At UFC 268 last November, he lost a close, unanimous-decision loss to the current pound-for-pound king. The California native, who lives and trains in Florida, has won nine of his past 11 fights. Two other former teammates of Covington's, Tyron Woodley andRobbie Lawler, were defeated by him.

Masvidal had nothing left in the fight, and he was ready for another five rounds in the parking lot.

Masvidal, one of the UFC's biggest stars, has lost to both title fights. Masvidal was knocked out by Usman at UFC 261. Masvidal, a Miami native, rose to superstardom with spectacular finishes over Ben Askren, and others. Masvidal claimed the Baddest Motherf---er title. Masvidal has been a pro fighter since 2003 and started his career fighting on the streets and in backyards.

Masvidal said that it sucks to lose to a punk like that. I need to fix the wrestling.

The bad blood between Masvidal and Covington was not put to rest despite the fight.

Masvidal said that the idiot talked about his kids.