Jorge Masvidal, UFC's star fighter, and Colby Covington, will meet in Las Vegas for one of the most bitter feudal matches in UFC history.
In a welterweight matchup that many MMA fans have never seen, the former best friends will meet in the main event at UFC 272 at the T-Mobile Arena.
Jorge Masvidal and Colby Covington will meet this weekend at UFC 272
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It was just four years ago that Masvidal, a crossover star, was facing his former roommate in his UFC title fight.
The since-severed relationship seemed inextricable after Covington shouted, "us two against all the world baby!" as he hugged Masvidal following his victory over Don Hyun Kim in Singapore.
It seemed that the American Top Team and their UFC gold-winning quests were bound to coincide at that moment.
Four years after Masvidal supported Covington in his interim welterweight title bout, the former training partners are now sworn foes engaged in a self-confessed "blood feud."
The feud started when Covington allegedly cheated Masvidal's long-time coach Paulino Hernan $12,500 in the summer 2018.
It all came to a head when Covington called his ex-boyfriend a "dirtbag" and a "deadbeat father" in many below-the belt references to his divorce from his wife.
After witnessing their strong embrace after Covington's win over Rafael dos Anjos at UFC 225, it seemed impossible that these once-inseparable pair would ever be able to trade blows in the octagon.
This weekend, Sin City will host a desert showdown.
Masvidal has recently stated that he cannot respect Masvidal in any way shape or form after the final throwdown.
"Kind of like Ben Askren. Ben Askren is not my favorite. If Ben Askren was in a place, and he said anything to me then s**t. We can even fight.
"If he is cool, I'll also be cool. Or we can fight. Colby is a different story. It will always be a problem - as long as we are alive - with Colby. He didn't mention my religion or my children, just because he spoke about it.
Covington said that the feeling is mutual. He told SunSport: "Who would want to bury the hatchet together with a criminal and a thief?
"More people in his family like me than they like him." This dirtbag criminal is not going to be buried with me.
Miami residents will seek to end their feud by claiming victory with a statement-making win.
The taste of victory at T-Mobile Arena will be even more sweetened by the fact that a win will place them back on Kamaru Usman's radar as welterweight champion.
The pair are currently re-inserting themselves in the title photo as an afterthought, having once admitted to being 'best friends'.
Their thoughts are currently focused on seek, destroy, and humiliate.
The stakes are higher for the pair, who have so far refused to entertain the idea of losing.
This mindset is not uncommon in fighters. However, it can often be a glimpse into their mental state if they do not address the possibility of losing.
Unfortunately for Masvidal, Covington, and their respective legacy in the sport could be determined by their grudge match outcome - especially if it is a viral and devastating loss.
Fight fans forget to pay attention to the fighters' work. This is one of many pitfalls that can lead to losing a big fight. Just ask Daniel Cormier or Conor McGregor.
The loser will have to process the gut-sucking fact that they lost, as well as the cruel nature of the fight fans.
They'll also have to walk around Miami knowing that they lost the Battle of the 305.
Both men will suffer significant career consequences if they lose, although Masvidal is a MMA veteran with a lot more to lose.
Masvidal, 37 years old, has signed a lucrative new deal with UFC this week. However, he is currently at career crossroads after suffering back-to-back defeats to Usman.
A convincing victory this weekend will give life to his hall-of fame career. However, defeat will cause him to be relegated to the sidelines.
Covington will not be subject to such calls if he leaves the T-Mobile Arena with a loss column. However, defeat will only add miles to the already-long road that he must travel to win undisputed welterweight silver.
UFC 272's showpiece bout has all the ingredients for an absolute classic - especially when factoring in the wrestler-versus-striker match-up.
This decades-old clash between styles is made more interesting by the fact that both men are intimately aware of each other's strengths, and weaknesses.
The stage is set for one the most controversial promotions in mixed martial arts history.
Let's hope it lives up to our expectations and isn't a disappointment.
