Colby Covington gives his 'honest take' on Jorge Masvidal's retirement, absolutely rips into him

Colby Covington has branded Jorge Masvidal a 'broken man' and a 'little clown' as he reacts to his retirement at UFC 287.

Masvidal called time on his legendary fight career following his unanimous decision defeat to Gilbert Burns in the co-main event of last weekend's card in Miami, Florida.

The 38-year-old's storied 20-year career comes to an end, having fought in MMA promotions Strikeforce, Bellator and, of course, the UFC, where he resurrected his career after destroying Ben Askren.

But his arch-rival Covington claims 'Gamebred' was a retired fighter after their bout grudge match last year.

Colby Covington and Jorge Masvidal during their fight at UFC 272. Image: Alamy

'Chaos' beat him at UFC 272 to secure a big win and bragging rights. He referenced his victory and their infamous run-in as he pulled no punches in his assessment of Masvidal's retirement.

Speaking on Submission Radio, he said: "I'm just (finding) that out now. That's interesting. If I'm gonna give my honest take, he was retired after I beat him. He's a broken man.

"There's a reason he came out and did what he did in the streets, like a little clown. There's no pride in that guy.

"He just didn't want to have to live the rest of his life knowing that he retired off of getting his ass beat by me."

The former UFC interim welterweight champion added: "Of course he's gonna come and lose to someone else. He didn't want that being hung over his head, that I retired him.

"But guys, I'll be honest, I retired Jorge Masvidal, 'Street Judas', in 2022 at T-Mobile Arena."

Covington's explosive take on Masvidal's retirement shouldn't come as a surprise considering their intense feud, which culminated at UFC 272.

UFC president Dana White also shared his thoughts on the former street fighter walking away from the sport.

"Listen, as soon as you think about retiring, you should in this business," he said during his post-fight press conference. "He’s made a lot of money. He made a lot of money tonight. He’s got things outside the octagon going on too, like Conor [McGregor] does and some of these other guys, and I think he’s proved everything he needed to prove to himself.

"He changed his family’s life, and why not?"