Jorge Masvidal Issues Chilling Response After Colby Covington Compares Him To Fidel Castro

With their highly-anticipated grudge match just a few days away, the war-of-words between Colby Covington and Jorge Masvidal is intensifying.

The friends-turned-foes will finally get to settle their differences inside the octagon this weekend at UFC 272, in a stylistic match-up which is shaping up to be even spicier than the build-up itself.

Instagram/Jorge Masvidal

From not paying child support or coaches fees to targeting people's families and religious beliefs, there have been all sorts of accusations thrown about from both sets of mouths.

But there was one statement which well and truly struck a nerve with Masvidal - not that he showed it.

Appearing in a press conference ahead of their main event clash, Covington compared rival Masvial - who is of Cuban descent - to the country's former communist leader Fidel Castro.

"I never ask for handouts, I'm not like Jorge Masvidal. That guy is the definition of handouts," Covington told reporters.

"He used to use an Obama Phone. He used to food stamps from the government. He's Fidel Castro junior. The guy is the definition of communism and here he is trying to act like he's a right-winger now.

"It's just funny the hypocrisy."

When Masvidal was told by a journalist what Covington had said, he looked far from impressed.

In fact, he took huge offence to it given his family's history under Castro's reign in Cuba.

"Due to Fidel Castro, family members of mine died," Masvidal said.

"My aunt is actually missing a breast because she tried to cross over from Cuba to Guantanamo Bay and the whole area is rigged with landmines. She's now missing a t*t because as she was crossing over a landmine exploded.

"So for him to say that is clearly trying to get an emotion out of me and to get in the newspapers.

"The one person I dislike more than Colby Covington is no longer alive and it's Fidel Castro."

Masvidal and Covington used to be good friends and training partners before their simultaneous progression up the welterweight rankings saw a divide appear.

Both have tried and failed on two occasions to pinch the 170-pound belt from Kamaru Usman, although the winner of this grudge match at T-Mobile Arena should determine who gets a third shot at the strap.

Topics: Colby Covington, Jorge Masvidal, UFC, Australia, MMA

Max Sherry

Max Sherry is a journalist for SPORTbible Australia. After migrating Down Under from London as a teenager, he instantly fell in love with Aussie sport and its culture. From NRL to AFL, cricket to rugby — you name it, Max watches it (with a beer in hand, of course). During his time at Fox Sports, he worked in the football department covering the Premier League, A-League, Socceroos and Matildas. Born a stone's throw away from West Ham's training ground, Max is obviously a die-hard Liverpool fan.

@maxysherry