Covington files lawsuit against Masvidal over ’22 battery

The UFC’s Colby Covington has filed a lawsuit against his former teammate turned rival Jorge Masvidal seeking damages in excess of $50,000 for a battery that took place in 2022.

The suit, which was filed March 23 in Miami-Dade County, states that Covington suffered, among other things, “bodily injury and resulting pain and suffering, disfigurement, mental anguish, loss of capacity for the enjoyment of life and loss of ability to earn money.” Covington, 38, has demanded a jury trial in the civil case. No court date has been set.

Covington’s legal team goes on to detail Covington’s victory over Masvidal at UFC 272 on March 5, 2022. After Covington defeated Masvidal, his former teammate and roommate, by unanimous decision, Masvidal threatened to “break his f—ing jaw” on the streets. On March 21 that year, Covington accused Masvidal of attacking him while wearing a mask in Miami, where they both reside. Criminal charges were filed and Masvidal eventually pleaded guilty to misdemeanor battery in a plea deal.

Masvidal said his animosity toward Covington mostly stemmed from comments the latter made about him and his children in the buildup to their nontitle fight in the UFC.

Covington (17-5) is a former interim welterweight champion who has not fought since he suffered a TKO loss to Joaquin Buckley in December 2024.

Masvidal (35-17) is a former BMF champion and one of the biggest stars of the sport in the past decade. He retired from the UFC in 2023 but went on to face Nate Diaz in a boxing match in 2024 and has expressed interest in a return to MMA competition.