The UFC returns this weekend with a number of exciting fights - headlined by two former best friends turned bitter rivals.
There's a lot of bad blood between Colby Covington and Jorge Masvidal. The two had trained in the same gym for multiple years,and had been inseparable - even living together for a period of time.
However, after falling out due to disagreement involving money and loyalty, the two became bitter enemies - going down different paths in the UFC but never being able to meet for a fight - until this weekend.
It'll be the first time Covington has fought since his close battle with UFC pound-for-pound king Kamaru Usman, in which the Nigerian was awarded the victory in a fight which nearly went the other way. Masvidal also makes his first return since his loss to Usman.
Ahead of the fight, a number of top ranked UFC fighters have given their prediction on how they believe the fight will go.
Kamaru Usman (Masvidal)
"I think he could potentially win the fight because one thing about Masvidal is he’s one of the only guys who in his stance, he’s so tall in his stance – but he’s able to defend takedowns from some of the best wrestlers.
"He’s very, very good at striking – so relaxed – and is so fast and he’s able to touch you. He might not feel as hard, but he can touch that button to be able to shut the lights off.
"I mean, being able to run across the octagon in five seconds, land a knee like that (against Ben Askren) just shows a different level of athleticism.
"He’s a skilled fighter, and he definitely has the tools to be able to land that shot to steal this fight away from Covington."
Anthony Smith (Masvidal)
"Colby has taken so much damage recently because of the way he fights, and I would expect him to take the same approach as Kamaru Usman did against Masvidal.
"Those two trained together for a long time - they know each other's secrets.
"I think Masvidal finishes him."
Gilbert Burns (Covington)
"I think that is going to be a freaking drama show.
"I do believe Colby Covington wins with his pace and wrestling."
Michael Chiesa (Masvidal)
"That's a tough fight for both guys.
"Jorge Masvidal has shown what he's capable of - what he does against Usman on short notice was so impressive.
"Colby brings a lot of different things to the table, he's got a lot of volume and strikes from range.
"I wouldn't be surprised if Colby got the better of Masvidal in training sessions, but I think Masvidal is a gametime fighter and that's a huge x factor - I'm going with Masvidal."
Jack Hermansson (Covington)
"I really love Masvidal, but Colby Covington is special - he has insane pace and wrestling.
"I believe Covington takes that one."
Rob Font (Masvidal)
"That's a good fight, I am going Masvidal though.
"He edges him out on striking."
Lerone Murphy (Masvidal)
"I'm going Colby.
"It's a tough one, Masvidal took that Usman fight on six days notice - actually, I'm going Masvidal."
Drew Dober (Covington)
"Unfortunately I think Colby wins that fight. I don't like him at all, but I think it would go the same way as Usman and Masvidal."
Mike Grundy (Covington)
"I would say Colby. He's so relentless in his wrestling, he won't give him a chance to move - Colby will win on decision."
