Colby Covington v Jorge Masvidal: Assessing three of the standout fights at UFC 272

UFC 272, the latest pay-per-view offering from the world’s lead mixed martial arts promotion, takes place early Sunday UAE time at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. We look at three of the most intriguing bouts on the card.

As far as grudge matches go, this must rank among the very top on the UFC’s sizeable roster. Former friends, teammates and even roommates who, following an acrimonious split, have for some time been involved in a bitter public spat, Covington-Masvidal rightfully headlines the event. No belt need be on the line for these two. The animosity is real, making Sunday’s clash a must-watch.

For the moment, it matters little where the winner goes next – both welterweights have lost twice to champion Kamaru Usman – because these two have eyed up one another for years. Covington, the division’s No 1-ranked contender, last fought in November, losing his rematch with Usman by decision. Masvidal, the No 6 challenger, has not competed since also losing a second time to Usman, last April. Things have been more than bubbling in the build-up: Sunday’s encounter should deliver in spades. It's doubtful, though, the rivalry ends there.

The wait is