The trial date for UFC welterweight Jorge Masvidal has been delayed into the new year after Masvidal’s defense attorney and a Miami-Dade County district attorney were granted a joint continuance.
During the hearing, Judge Zachary James set the expected trial date for February 27th. Masvidal faces charges of aggravated battery resulting in great bodily harm and criminal mischief stemming from a March 2022 incident in which he allegedly physically assaulted Colby Covington outside of a Miami restaurant. Covington reportedly suffered a fractured tooth and a wrist abrasion in the attack.
Two days following the altercation, Masvidal was arrested. He posted a $5,000 bond and was released. He entered a formal plea of not guilty and described the incident as a “mutual combatance [sic] with another athlete” during a hearing with the Nevada State Athletic Commission. If Jorge Masvidal is found guilty of second-degree felony aggravated battery, the former two-time UFC title challenger could face up to 15 years in prison and/or a $10,000 fine.
What Comes Next for Jorge Masvidal and Colby Covington?
The alleged altercation occurred the same month that Jorge Masvidal and Colby Covington competed inside the Octagon at UFC 272. Covington scored a unanimous decision win over his former friend turned bitter rival. Clearly, their clash in the cage did nothing to settle things between the two welterweight stars.
Since the incident, neither fighter has competed inside the Octagon. According to a recent interview with Gilbert Burns, the UFC has attempted to pair him with Masvidal on three separate occasions with ‘Gamebred’ backing out of each one for varying reasons. Jorge Masvidal has since responded to Burns’ claim, challenging him to fight in London after the new year.
Colby Covington has been on the shelf since the March bout but is heavily rumored to make a return in the new year against undefeated welterweight monster Khamzat Chimaev. No official announcement has been made, but Dana White agreed that the fight would be a perfect co-main event feature for the promotion’s return to London in 2023.
