Khabib Nurmagomedov thinks Colby Covington got what he deserved.
On Monday, Jorge Masvidal allegedly launched a sneak attack and punched former-best-friend-turned-foe Covington multiple times outside a Miami hotspot. “Gamebred” was detained by police Wednesday evening, and now Masvidal faces a pair of charges, including one count of aggravated battery resulting in great bodily harm and one count of criminal mischief.
Nurmagomedov, a former longtime UFC lightweight champion, is no stranger to extracurricular action involving a rival. He was suspended for his post-fight brawl with Conor McGregor at UFC 229 in 2018, and also was the target of an infamous bus attack from the Irishman in the months prior to their grudge match.
Given his familiarity with feuds that go beyond octagon competition, Nurmagomedov has come to Masvidal’s defense. Although the identity of the victim of Masvidal’s alleged attack has been redacted from police reports under “Marsy’s Law,” video footage around the incident and numerous reports label Covington as the target.
Nurmagomedov is dismayed that the police even got involved after the alleged incident, though. He questioned charges being brought upon Masvidal, and called for Covington to be blacklisted by fellow fighters as a consequence (via Twitter):
“If you are stronger than someone inside the octagon, it does not mean you can insult his children. No one has the right to insult someone’s family. Once you have gone down that path, then be ready to back up your words. You were attacked by professional fighter, the same as you are, your own size, and you go press charges against him to the police? I think all welterweights should refuse to fight Colby, just don’t accept fights with him, let him sit without a fight, it will probably significantly affect him and all fighters who even think of insulting families, who is provoking the fighters to look for someone in restaurants to deal with him.”
#ufc #FamilyFirst pic.twitter.com/dhxTq1DnXI
— khabib nurmagomedov (@TeamKhabib) March 24, 2022
The alleged incident came just 16 days after Covington (17-3 MMA, 12-3 UFC) picked up a lopsided unanimous decision over Masvidal (35-16 MMA, 12-9 UFC) in the UFC 272 main event. In the buildup to the fight Covington mentioned Masvidal’s wife and called him a “deadbeat dad,” among other personal insults. Masvidal said their UFC fight didn’t dismiss those comments, and vowed Covington would pay if they crossed paths in the Miami area, where both reside (via Twitter):
#ICYMI: Jorge Masvidal and Colby Covington allegedly got into a physical altercation Monday night outside of a Miami restaurant.
After Covington beat Masvidal 17 days ago, both men indicated there could be trouble if they ran into each other.
Read more: https://t.co/jojWYmNjvU pic.twitter.com/H0DzX7SL30
— MMA Junkie (@MMAJunkie) March 22, 2022
According to Masvidal’s manager Malki Kawa, his client has been released from police custody. Masvidal was held on $15,000 bond following his arrest (via Twitter):
Masvidal is free now #freecain
— malki kawa (@malkikawa) March 24, 2022
