"He couldn't put his ego aside for the friendship" - When Colby Covington explained the origins of his feud with Jorge Masvidal

Colby Covington (Left), Jorge Masvidal (Right) [Images courtesy: @gamebredfighter @Colbycovmma on Instagram]

Colby Covington's beef with Jorge Masvidal is fairly well known. However, both have vastly varying stories about the origins of their feud. From being roommates and best friends to despising each other, the two welterweights have drifted a long way apart.

A few months ago, Colby Covington gave his side of the story during an interview with The Mac Life. 'Chaos' believes that 'Gamebred' couldn't stand to watch his friend win the interim title and rise in popularity. Covington said:

"It was 3 years ago or 2.5 years ago when I was in the locker room and I'd just beat Rafael dos Anjos for the interim title and the President had called me that day... I think he [Jorge Masvidal] saw all the hype I was generating and he didn't like that. He has a big ego and he couldn't put his ego aside for the friendship. He didn't like that I was getting the spotlight more and I was rising above him in the ranks."

Watch Colby Covington address his feud with Jorge Masvidal in the clip below:

Colby Covington has enjoyed a meteoric rise in popularity since he adopted a heel persona. Fans saw 'Chaos' pull out all the stops in the lead up to his last fight against Kamaru Usman for the title at UFC 268. Although he lost a close fight, Covington's stock didn't drop.

Meanwhile, Jorge Masvidal hasn't fought since his loss to Usman at UFC 261. The long-time contender was set to fight Leon Edwards at UFC 269 but withdrew due to an undisclosed injury.

Masvidal remains outspoken about his dislike for the former welterweight interim champ. 'Gamebred' took to Twitter to share his opinion on 'Chaos' and believes Covington will eventually turn his back on his new gym MMA Masters. They were both allegedly "kicked out" of American Top Team for feuding outside the gym.

Speaking to @arielhelwani, @GamebredFighter revealed that an altercation with Colby Covington led to them both being "kicked out" of ATT.

Masvidal was able to return to ATT, while Covington switched gyms. https://t.co/s0pqyhDbRl

Colby Covington attacks Jorge Masvidal's family life

During the same interview, Colby Covington extended harsh comments toward Jorge Masvidal's attitude towards his family. Covington had this to say about 'Gamebred' as a family man:

"The guy is a piece of sh*t. He doesn't care about his kids. I was just with his ex-wife yesterday. I put all the pictures on Instagram and Twitter... The mother of his children, his wife that is still on his marriage certificate today, they're not divorced yet, is Maritza Collado. Maritza Masvidal. The truth is Jorge Masvidal is a piece of sh*t father, he's a piece of sh*t fighter, and I hope I get to expose him in front of the whole world soon."

Out here playing games with Mrs. Masvidal 🎮 Great catching up with you Maritza! #ufc261 https://t.co/YHjD9p91di

Although a fight between Colby Covington and Jorge Masvidal hasn't been finalized yet, it wouldn't be outlandish to assume that it could come to fruition soon. The two have seemingly been on a collision course for a long time now, and there is talk of them potentially being rival coaches on the next season of The Ultimate Fighter.

Watch Colby Covington's full interview with The Mac Life below: