COLBY COVINGTON will have the opportunity to prove he is the 'King Of Miami' in a grudge match against Jorge Masvidal, his former friend.
This weekend, the former interim welterweight champion will be matched up against the man he used to call his "best friend" in the main event at UFC 272 Las Vegas.
Jorge Masvidal and Colby Covington will meet this weekend at UFC 272
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The bitter feud between the two has been ongoing for over FOUR YEARS and has attracted the attention of all combat sports professionals.
Mixed martial arts enthusiasts are thrilled to see their former roommates set aside their rivalries. They're also intrigued by the match-ups that the fight presents.
SunSport felt it was only fair to analyze both men's paths to victory in the grudge game, with Covington being the focal point of this analysis.
Colby Covington's three key strategies to win at UFC 272
Strike at distance
While he has made great strides over the past two years, Covington's standing up is still not as strong as that of Masvidal.
It would be in his best interest to stop striking for as long as he needs before attempting to take down the opponent.
He would do better if he did strike.
He could also use the chance to score single-leg takedowns if he manages to fool Masvidal with a kickboxing fight.
Use his pace to your advantage
Covington's greatest asset is without doubt his gas tank.
He can operate at a fast pace and throw an incredible amount of strikes, without feeling tired.
He would be wise to make use of it and put pressure on his former teammate, who is no cardio slouch.
Covington's fights with Kamaru Usman, reigning 170lb champion, and his defeat to Warelly Alves were the only exceptions. He has repeatedly shown that his speed is unmatched. Former champs Tyron Whiteley and Robbie Lawler have fallen under his pressure.
Masvidal may not be able to keep up a fast pace at first, but it will pay off in the championship rounds if the fight goes that far.
Gamebred's energy reserves will need to be exhausted if he is going to carry out his wrestling strategy and keep him on the floor.
Keep the fight from the fence by using suffocating pressure
Covington must use serious top pressure once he has brought Masvidal down to his turf.
BMF, the UFC's mixed martial arts champion, has demonstrated a remarkable ability for him to get back on his feet during his career. He also has a knack for wall-walking.
Masvidal will be disadvantaged if Covington doesn't secure his takedowns from the fence.
