3 MMA fighters currently facing criminal charges

#2. Jorge Masvidal

UFC 239 Jorge Masvidal v Ben Askren

Most MMA fans love a good grudge match. One of the most hate-fueled matches occurred this year between Jorge Masvidal and Colby Covington.

For years, Masvidal and Covington were training partners at American Top Team, former friends even. Apparently, that is when their hateful disposition towards each other began. Leading up to their bout at UFC 272, Masvidal made it known to the world that he was going to break Covington's face. Week after week, there was new evidence produced by Masvidal that placed Covington in a negative spotlight. But when it came time to deliver the 'deserved' punishment, Masvidal came up short.

Covington was the better man at the end of the match. Their rivalry was meant to end there; however, the BMF champion had other plans. Masvidal allegedly attacked Covington outside a restaurant in Miami. He was recently charged with second-degree felony aggravated battery after an alleged assault against Covington. Reports say Masvidal punched Covington a few times, cracking one of his teeth and bruising his wrist.

In light of the investigation, "Gamebred" has delayed obtaining a license for his own MMA fight promotion, Bare-Knuckle Gamebred Fighting Championship. Last month, The Nevada State Athletic Commission held a meeting to give him a license, but Masvidal respectfully declined and asked to submit it at another time. The commission agreed and, in addition, asked him to revise his application on the grounds that it no longer represented the true nature of the fighter.

On March 23, Masvidal was arrested with bail set at $15k. He was released from Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center the next day. Following his release, Masvidal posted a comical tweet, seemingly unbothered by just being in jail.

"What's open right now?"

Masvidal is a two-time UFC world title challenger. He is currently on a 3-fight lossing streak and likely plans to remedy that upon his next octagon appearance. However, if convicted, he faces up to 15 years in prison.

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