It is rare for a UFC pay-per-view to be headlined by a non-title bout, but such is the magnitude of this weekend’s clash between Jorge Masvidal and Colby Covington that it will serve as the main event of UFC 272.
The two Americans were previously close friends and teammates, even living together before their relationship broke down and left the welterweights as bitter rivals, their grudge likely to last well beyond this Saturday’s fight.
Masvidal (35-15) and former interim champion Covington (16-3) have both come up short against title holder Kamaru Usman twice in recent years, meaning they are some way from another shot at the gold. All each man can do is look to secure a big win against the other here, to kickstart a fresh march towards the welterweight belt.
When asked what the headlines will be the morning after this weekend’s main event, Masvidal told ESPN: “Colby in critical condition, might not fully make it.” The controversial Covington, meanwhile, told TMZ: “I’m gonna drag it out, I’m gonna make him suffer. It’s gonna be a funeral.”
Here’s all you need to know about UFC 272.
When is it?
UFC 272 takes place at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on Saturday 5 March.
The prelims are scheduled to begin at 1am GMT (5pm PT, 7pm CT, 8pm ET) on Sunday 6 March, with the main card following at 3am GMT (7pm PT, 9pm CT, 20pm ET).
How can I watch it?
The card will air live on BT Sport in the UK, with the broadcaster’s app and website also streaming the fights.
In the US, ESPN+ will stream the action live, as will the UFC’s Fight Pass.
Full card
Main card
Colby Covington vs Jorge Masvidal (welterweight)
Rafael dos Anjos vs Renato Moicano (160lbs catchweight)
Edson Barboza vs Bryce Mitchell (featherweight)
Kevin Holland vs Alex Oliveira (welterweight)
Serghei Spivac vs Greg Hardy (heavyweight)
Prelims
Marina Rodriguez vs Yan Xiaonan (women’s strawweight)
Maryna Moroz vs Mariya Agapova (women’s flyweight)
Jalin Turner vs Jamie Mullarkey (lightweight)
Nicolae Negumereanu vs Kennedy Nzechukwu (light heavyweight)
Early prelims
Tim Elliot vs Tagir Ulanbekov (flyweight)
Jessica Eye vs Manon Fiorot (women’s flyweight)
Devonte Smith vs Erick Gonzalez (lightweight)
Dustin Jacoby vs Michael Oliksiejczuk (light heavyweight)
Brian Kelleher vs Umar Nurmagomedov (featherweight)