Colby Covington and Jorge Masvidal’s rivalry was never going to end inside the Octagon, but four years later, it has taken an entirely different turn. What started as a grudge match at UFC 272 in March 2022, which ‘Chaos’ won, has now shifted into a legal battle, with Covington reopening the Miami incident despite the criminal case already being settled.

Since that night outside Papi Steak restaurant in Miami Beach, just 16 days after their UFC 272 bout, both fighters have gone in different directions. Colby Covington has fought twice in the UFC, losing to Leon Edwards and Joaquin Buckley, and more recently, stepping onto the mat at RAF (Real American Freestyle). Masvidal stepped away from the cage, returned for a boxing match, and has hinted at another UFC run. But now, the focus is back on that night, and this time, it’s about damages, not decisions.

According to reports, Covington has officially filed a civil lawsuit seeking compensation for what he claims were lasting injuries from the altercation. The filing paints a serious picture of the aftermath.

“Colby Covington has officially filed a lawsuit against Jorge Masvidal after being attacked on the street in 2022,” the update shared by Happy Punch on X stated. “He claims he suffered disfigurement and a brain injury resulting in pain and suffering, disability, mental anguish, and loss of capacity for the enjoyment of life. He’s seeking more than $50,000, including loss of earnings and $15,000 in damage to his Rolex.”

The legal move comes after the 2022 criminal case had already concluded back in November 2023. At the time, Masvidal had accepted a plea deal, admitting to misdemeanor battery, following which the court ordered Masvidal to pay all court fees associated with the case and sentenced him to time served (two days in jail). This seemingly closed the chapter without extended jail time. However, the civil court operates differently. Here, the focus shifts to compensation and long-term impact rather than criminal punishment.

And that’s where Colby Covington’s recent court filing leans heavily. His legal team has described the attack as “unprovoked” and “deliberate,” alleging that Masvidal “ambushed” him outside the restaurant just weeks after their fight. According to the filing on March 23, 2026, in Miami-Dade County court, the strike came without warning, leaving no chance for Covington to defend. The claim also emphasizes that the injuries may be ongoing, suggesting future losses tied to health and career.

Now, the financial aspect adds another layer. Reports indicate Covington is seeking more than $50,000, with filings suggesting the total could exceed $100,000. For context, that number isn’t about headline value; it’s about proving damages in court. Medical costs, lost opportunities, and long-term impact all come into play.

‘Gamebred, for his part, has never backed away from the rivalry. Even after the plea deal, he doubled down publicly, making it clear the animosity hadn’t faded.

“F— you, Colby,” Masvidal had shared on social media after his court hearing, “It’s going to be a f— movie now. All these orders, all these restraining orders been lifted off. It’s going to be a f— movie.”

It remains to be seen how this situation plays out, as no court date has been set at the time of writing. But for Colby Covington, his snub for the UFC Freedom 250 card has also become a major issue recently, and he didn’t hold back.

Colby Covington reveals that the UFC could not find “anybody” for him to fight after White House snub

For a fighter who has built a large part of his public persona around politics and support for President Donald Trump, this was supposed to be a perfect fit. A card at the White House, tied to a historic celebration, felt like the kind of moment Colby Covington had been positioning himself for. Instead, he was left out entirely.

“I really wanted the fight,” Covington said in an interview with MMA Junkie. “I was campaigning with the UFC. I thought they were holding me out for that fight specifically, but they couldn’t find anybody to fight me at that event. I asked for multiple names.”

He claimed he offered flexibility, even stating, “I’ll fight any man alive,” whether at welterweight or even middleweight on short notice. From his side, there were no restrictions. He was ready.

But the response he got from the UFC told a different story. According to Covington, the promotion simply couldn’t find an opponent for him on that card. The only option presented was to wait for the winner of an upcoming fight between Mike Malott and Gilbert Burns. And he accepted that too, reinforcing the idea that he played along with the promotion’s plans, even if it meant delaying his return.

Still, the disappointment is clear. Colby Covington admitted he felt “a little bummed,” especially because he believed he had earned that spot through years of vocal support and visibility. He even pointed to his past actions, saying he was one of the few fighters openly backing Trump in 2018 when it wasn’t popular.

Interestingly, he drew a line when it came to using that connection for leverage. So where does this leave him? The Masvidal case will take time, and the UFC situation remains uncertain. But both storylines add up to a bigger question about what comes next for Colby Covington at 38? With no court date set, the next chapter of Covington’s career will be fought in a courtroom, not the Octagon.