EXCLUSIVE | Jorge Masvidal makes prediction for Colby Covington’s battle with RDA, trip to Brazil

On May 12, streaking UFC welterweight contender Colby Covington is expected to head south to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil to battle former UFC lightweight champion Rafael dos Anjos at UFC 224. This setting of this fight is particularly interesting as Covington recently alienated the entire country of Brazil by calling it “a dump” and referring to its people as “filthy animals.”

In the opinion of Jorge Masvidal, a fellow welterweight contender and Colby Covington’s primary training partner, this is a fantastic matchup, and one Covington is likely to win.

“I think its a great matchup for the fans,” Masvidal said on the latest episode of BJ Penn Radio. “You know, RDA has good wrestling, good on his feet, good off his back and I think just Colby is from another planet of cardio and grappling.”

“I’m betting my money that [Covington is] going to out-grapple RDA by a lot,” Masvidal continued. “I think he’s going to sweep him under the rug. I think if he got caught with a punch, then I don’t know. It’s a fight anything can happen, but I’m betting a lot on Colby.”

Masvidal also commented Covington’s willingness to take the fight in Brazil, where he will be a massive pariah—and possibly in danger.

“I love it man, that shows he’s a competitor,” Masvidal said. “He’s willing to dig down deep. He’s going to go into the number-one enemy territory.”

“[He’s going to] test everybody’s patience and fortitude and come out with the W,” Masvidal said. “He might respond better outside [his] territory than him fighting at home, so I think this is perfect for him you know.”

“Sit back and enjoy the show.”

Do you think Colby Covington can stop the momentum of Rafael dos Anjos at UFC 224? Join the conversation in the comments section below!

This article first appeared on BJPenn.com on 3/30/2018.