Judge orders Jorge Masvidal to stay away from Colby Covington; next court date set

MIAMI – UFC star Jorge Masvidal has his next court date in the wake of his alleged attack on rival fighter and former friend and roommate Colby Covington.

And while Covington’s initial complaint in the police report, in which he wasn’t named, mentioned a chipped tooth and damaged watch, updated charges revealed Thursday name Covington as the victim outright – and say he suffered a “brain injury” from the alleged attack.

Judge Zachary James of Florida’s 11th Circuit Court set May 12 as the next court date, at which time it’s possible a trial date could be set. Masvidal on Thursday retained the same not guilty pleas for two counts against him as he previously had entered in written pleas following his arrest.

Additionally, a stay-away order has been issued to Masvidal, who must keep 25 feet away from Covington and 500 feet away from Covington’s residence. He also is not permitted to contact Covington directly or indirectly. The stay-away order was granted because Covington said he is “in fear” of Masvidal after the alleged attack.

Masvidal did not appear in person with his legal counsel, attorneys Mauricio Padilla and Brad Cohen, at the Richard E. Gerstein Justice Building. Instead, he was present virtually through a Zoom call, as was Covington.

The updated aggravated battery charge says Masvidal, on March 21, committed aggravated battery on Covington by striking him against his will “with a deadly weapon, to wit: HAND(S) or FIST(S) and/or did knowingly and intentionally cause great bodily harm, to wit: BRAIN INJURY …”

Masvidal’s legal team is expected to to file a motion asking for a medical check-up of Covington, as well as an inspection of his allegedly damaged Rolex, ahead of further court proceedings.

In March, Masvidal entered a written not guilty plea to single counts of aggravated battery resulting in great bodily harm and criminal mischief after an alleged physical altercation with Covington outside a restaurant March 21.

Masvidal was arrested by Miami Beach police and booked March 23. He posted bond of $5,000 and was released.

Eight days ago, a continuance was granted at the request of a state’s attorney and the first court proceeding was pushed to Thursday.

According to police reports, the victim – now officially known to be Covington in court documents, as well as by name in court by Judge James – fractured a tooth and suffered a wrist abrasion. He alleged Masvidal ran up to him from his left and punched him twice in the face outside Papi Steak restaurant.

Covington told police Masvidal was wearing a blue surgical mask, a hoodie over his head, and sweatpants. In Florida, an aggravated battery charge can be elevated from a second-degree felony to a first-degree offense if the alleged offender wore a “hood, mask, or other device that concealed his or her identity,” according to criminal statute 775.0845.

If found guilty, Masvidal could face up to 15 years in prison and/or a $10,000 fine for second-degree felony aggravated battery with additional penalties possible for the criminal mischief charge. A first-degree felony aggravated battery charge for allegedly concealing his identity could yield a prison sentence of up to 30 years.

In his only public comments, Masvidal has referred to the alleged incident with Covington as “a mutual combatance [sic] with another athlete.”