Former Interim UFC Welterweight Champion Colby Covington recently filed a lawsuit against fellow fighter Jorge Masvidal, seeking damages in excess of $50,000. It comes after an attack outside a restaurant in Miami Beach in 2022.
The lawsuit was filed in Miami-Dade County, Florida, on March 23. The legal action stems from an incident that occurred on March 21, 2022, just weeks after the two welterweights faced off at UFC 272 on March 5, 2022, where Covington defeated Masvidal by unanimous decision.
In documentation filed with the courts, Covington's attorneys detailed how Masvidal threatened him during his post-fight interview, stating "if I see him out in the streets, I'm going to give him everything I got to break his f*cking jaw."
Attack Outside Papi Steak Restaurant
On March 21, as Covington left Papi Steak restaurant in Miami Beach, Masvidal "ambushed" him and "initiated a physical attack without warning."
The lawsuit further stated that "Gamebred" struck Covington "with a closed fist" to the face. The assault was "sudden, intentional, and calculated" and the 38-year-old fighter had no chance to protect himself.
Criminal charges were filed against Masvidal, and he later reached a plea deal with prosecutors where he pleaded guilty to misdemeanor battery. Former UFC "BMF" Champion was sentenced to time served, and he was held responsible for paying all fees associated to the case. However, he faced no additional jail time.
Masvidal's Response and Legal Claims
Following his court hearing, Masvidal took to social media, where he fired back at Covington again over the incident.
F*ck you, Colby," Masvidal said. "It's going to be a f*cking movie now. All these orders, all these restraining orders been lifted off. It's going to be a f*cking movie.
Covington's attorneys claim that Masvidal's attack was "unprovoked" and "deliberate, malicious and carried out with the intent to cause harm."
As a result of the attack, "Chaos" claimed he "suffered bodily injury and resulting pain and suffering, disability, disfigurement, physical impairment, mental anguish, loss of capacity for the enjoyment of life, expense of hospitalization, medical and nursing care and treatment."
Covington's attorneys argue that the injuries "are either permanent or continuing" and the veteran Welterweight fighter "will suffer the losses in the future." In the cover sheet to his lawsuit, Covington's attorneys noted that he was actually seeking over $100,000 in total damages.
No court date has been announced yet after the lawsuit was filed in March.
