LAS VEGAS – UFC president Dana White is working on Colby Covington and Jorge Masvidal’s next fights.
Covington (17-3 MMA, 12-3 UFC) and Masvidal (35-16 MMA, 12-9 UFC) faced off in a grudge match in March at UFC 272, where Covington scored a lopsided decision win over his former best friend. Their bad blood continued after the fight when Masvidal allegedly assaulted Covington outside a Miami Beach restaurant just weeks later. Masvidal was arrested and charged with aggravated battery and criminal mischief, and his pre-trial hearing and trial are scheduled for later this month.
According to White, both fighters are looking to return to action soon.
“Colby wants to fight,” White told reporters, including MMA Junkie. “Colby wants to fight, he’s ready to fight, and we’re making plans for him here soon.”
As for Masvidal, White said he likes the idea of matching him up against former title challenger Gilbert Burns (20-5 MMA, 13-5 UFC), who told MMA Junkie earlier this month that the pair have verbally agreed to fight each other.
“Yeah, I like it,” White said when asked about Burns vs. Masvidal by a reporter. “You like it? Then I’ll do it (laughs).”
Masvidal is currently on a three-fight losing skid, which includes dropping two straight to ex-welterweight champion Kamaru Usman. Meanwhile, Burns will look to rebound from his barnburner loss to Khamzat Chimaev this past April at UFC 273. Prior to that, “Durinho” defeated Stephen Thompson at UFC 264.
