Jorge Masvidal inches closer to trial after his alleged assault of UFC rival Colby Covington.
At a report hearing Thursday in Miami, Judge Zachary James of Florida’s 11th Circuit Court set a trial date of Aug. 29 in the aggravated battery case in addition to a docket sounding Aug. 17. Masvidal did not appear in court but once again was represented by attorney Bradford Cohen.
The judge also granted a motion for the defense to inspect Covington’s watch, the center of a second charge of criminal mischief, which Masvidal also faces. The defense claims the alleged Rolex is not valued properly and that it is a “Frankenstein” watch.
A judge denied Cohen’s motion to subpoena third-party footage of the alleged incident. However, that came after Cohen stated he would not pursue that through the court until he got in contact with the news outlets and individuals who own the footage. If the defense decides it wants the subpoena, it will have to refile.
Another motion requesting past medical records and immediate evaluation was delayed to a further date as the defense is still working on the acquisition of emergency room records from the current incident. However, Cohen also stated he is unsure of the practicality of an immediate evaluation as concussions heal.
“Some of these fighters walk around with concussions, so I don’t know if it needs to be immediate,” Cohen said.
A motion to strike on the basis of “failure to report to any authority” was denied without prejudice by Judge James, and the new court dates were set.
The first date, a docket hearing Aug. 17, is a pre-trial hearing during which the judge will assess if the parties are ready to go to trial Aug. 29, as well as address other motions that may have been filed.
If found guilty, Masvidal could face up to 15 years in prison and/or a $10,000 fine for second-degree felony aggravated battery with additional penalties possible for the criminal mischief charge.
In his only public comments, Masvidal has referred to the alleged incident with Covington as “a mutual combatance [sic] with another athlete.”
A stay-away order was issued April 28 to Masvidal, who must keep 25 feet away from Covington and 500 feet away from Covington’s residence. He also is not permitted to contact Covington directly or indirectly. The stay-away order was granted because Covington said he is “in fear” of Masvidal after the alleged attack. Covington said he suffered injuries including a chipped tooth and concussion. Photos were later released of his face and watch.
In March, Masvidal entered a written not guilty plea to single counts of aggravated battery resulting in great bodily harm and criminal mischief after an alleged physical altercation with Covington outside a restaurant. Masvidal was arrested two days later by Miami Beach police and booked March 23. He posted bond of $5,000 and was released.
According to police reports, Covington fractured a tooth and suffered a wrist abrasion. He alleged Masvidal ran up to him from his left and punched him twice in the face outside Papi Steak restaurant.
