To put it nicely, Colby Covington and Jorge Masvidal despise each other. As a result, they won't ever be exchanging Christmas cards.
The training partners will settle the score on Saturday night inside the Octagon as Covington and Masvidal battle in the main event of UFC 272 from the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nev.
As always, with a big-time UFC fight, there are certainly plenty of bets to be made. Let's take a look at some of them.
UFC 272 odds
Colby Covington: -350
Jorge Masvidal: +260
BetMGM (as of Friday, March 4) has Covington installed as the sizable favorite — coming in at -350, meaning you'd need to bet $350 to win $100. Meanwhile, Masvidal is a +260, meaning if you pluck down $100, you will win $260 if he successfully makes his first title defense.
Covington (16-3) and Masvidal (35-15) are looking to get back on track and into welterweight title contention as they are coming off defeats in their last fights to champion Kamaru Usman.
UFC 272 prediction
Not surprised the odds are in favor of Covington. The former interim 170-pound champion is the only fighter who has given Usman a run for his money. Yes, he lost twice to him, but "Chaos" was arguably beating Usman before getting stopped in the fifth round at UFC 245 and losing a close decision at UFC 268. On the other hand, Masvidal lost a wide decision to Usman, albeit on short notice at UFC 251, and got knocked out by the champion at UFC 261.
This is the classic wrestler versus pure striker. Covington is one of the best wrestlers in mixed martial arts. He was an All-American wrestler at Oregon St. His striking isn't bad, but it isn't great and not on the caliber. He strikes to set up his takedowns.
Masvidal became one of the most popular fighters in the UFC. His devastating stoppage wins over Darren Till, Ben Askren, and Nate Diaz led "Gamebred" to becoming the BMF champion at UFC 244. His striking is lethal and can put anyone out at any given moment.
Covington can take Masvidal at will, but the question is going to be, how often can Masvidal make it back to his feet? If he can do it often, he's got a legitimate shot to win. Masvidal has the power to put Covington away. Covington's been stopped so that it can happen.
I don't see it occurring, and Covington's wrestling will be too much for Masvidal to overcome. But don't overlook the possibility of Masvidal stopping Covington, so place a little bit of money, so there is a significant value at +400.
Muehlhausen's pick: Colby Covington
Best odds: Jorge Masvidal by KO/TKO +400
More UFC 272 odds
Method of victory
Covington by KO/TKO/Technical decision or DQ: +350
Covington by submission: +800
Covington on points: -125
Masvidal by KO/TKO/Technical decision or DQ: +400
Masvidal by submission: +2500
Masvidal on points: +1000
Draw: +5000