Tag: Jorge Masvidal

Jorge Masvidal aims for Conor McGregor or Leon Edwards in UFC return fight

With a UFC comeback seemingly imminent, Jorge Masvidal shares his plans for 2025.

[autotag]Jorge Masvidal[/autotag] wants to make a big splash for his return to the UFC.

The original BMF champion, Masvidal plans to return next April at the UFC’s expected pay-per-view event in Miami, and he’s specifically targeting a couple of big names in star [autotag]Conor McGregor[/autotag] and former welterweight champion [autotag]Leon Edwards[/autotag].

Masvidal (35-17 MMA, 12-10 UFC) has history with both fighters, but ideally he’d like to face McGregor.

“I’d like for it to be Conor (McGregor) because I heard he also wants to fight on that same date,” Masvidal told MMA Junkie in Spanish. “He’s never mentioned my name because he knows I’ll rip his head off. However, if him and the UFC make that mistake, I’ll take his head off in Miami in April. But I don’t know if he wants it. He knows I’ll break him and make him look bad. I won’t take him down. I’ll strike with him and take him out of this orbit. He’s never mentioned my name, and it’s for a reason. …

“They’re saying he might want to do it, but I’m chilling. If he wants to do it, great, I’ll kill him. If not, Leon Edwards. He and I have history, and it’s time to settle it. He’s not booked, and neither am I. Let’s go, sign the contract, and I’ll break your face.”

McGregor vs. Masvidal: Big UFC business?

Masvidal promises a UFC return in the first half of 2025. It would be his first MMA fight after announcing his retirement from the sport in 2023. Masvidal did compete once in 2024 but in a boxing match against Nate Diaz – a fight he lost by majority decision.

“Gamebred” has been one of the biggest stars in MMA in recent years. Although interested in the fight against Edwards, he ideally would like to fight McGregor, as the two could put on a blockbuster event for the promotion.

“He knows I’m the best pay-per-view draw right behind him,” Masvidal said. “He’s No. 1, and then it’s me in terms of who’s sold the most pay-per-views in recent years. What would a fight between me and him do? That would break all records.

“He’s a b*tch. He’s a b*tch. Plus, he likes to snort cocaine all day. Let’s see if he wants to throw down with a true dog. Training is what I do. I’ll bust my ass to be in the best shape possible. That guy is a clown.”

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Gamebred Bareknuckle MMA 8 live video stream, official results

Watch a live stream of the entire Gamebred Bareknuckle MMA 8 card featuring 13 UFC veterans.

[autotag]Jorge Masvidal[/autotag]’s Gamebred Bareknuckle MMA is back with a card featuring more than a dozen former UFC fighters.

In the main event, [autotag]Randy Costa[/autotag] and [autotag]Brandon Davis[/autotag] rematch, without gloves this time, as they fight for the promotion’s inaugural bantamweight championship. Davis defeated Costa by submission at UFC 236 in April 2019. Will history repeat?

The co-main event features [autotag]Maurice Greene[/autotag] as he takes on [autotag]Chase Sherman[/autotag] in a battle of former UFC heavyweights. Also on the card, New Englanders [autotag]Peter Barrett[/autotag] and [autotag]Charles Rosa[/autotag] duke it out, and fan-favorite [autotag]Jason Knight[/autotag] fights [autotag]Joshua Weems[/autotag].

The event takes place Friday at Mississippi Coast Coliseum in Biloxi, Miss. The entire event will be streamed live and free on YouTube with prelims beginning at 8 p.m. ET followed by a main card at 9 p.m. ET.

You can watch the event in the video above.

Gamebred Bareknuckle MMA 8 full results

  • Randy Costa vs. Brandon Davis ends in no contest (inadvertent illegal knee) –  Round 1, 2:47
  • Maurice Greene def. Chase Sherman via submission (standing guillotine choke) – Round 2, 3:26
  • Guto Inocente def. Marcus Brigagao via knockout (punches) – Round 1, 4:20
  • Joshua Weems def. Jason Knight via unanimous decision (30-26, 29-28, 29-28)
  • Charles Rosa def. Peter Barrett via submission (anaconda choke) – Round 3, 3:21
  • Frank Tate def. Alex Nicholson via knockout (punch) – Round 1, 0:56
  • Jesse Ronson def. Curtis Millender via submission (rear-naked choke) – Round 1, 4:49
  • Alessio Sakara def. Prince McLean via TKO (doctor stoppage) – 1, 5:00
  • Javanis Ross def. Tyler Hill via TKO (knee) – Round 1, 4:46
  • Mike Sanford def. David Zelner via submission (rear-naked choke) – Round 1, 1:48

Overreaction Time: Jones vs. Ngannou WILL happen, UFC rankings useless, Sean O’Malley a fraud, more!

Check out the first episode of “Overreaction Time” as host Simon Samano and Farah Hannoun debate an array of topics in MMA.

The time for overreacting is here!

Check out the first episode of “Overreaction Time” as host Simon Samano and MMA Junkie reporter Farah Hannoun debate these “overreactions” on the following topics in mixed martial arts:

  • Make no mistake: [autotag]Francis Ngannou[/autotag] is the No. 1 heavyweight in the world.
  • Because the UFC can’t say no to money, we WILL get Francis Ngannou vs. [autotag]Jon Jones[/autotag] next year.
  • [autotag]Ilia Topuria[/autotag] vs. [autotag]Max Holloway[/autotag] is the best UFC fight for the rest of the year.
  • The UFC should just get rid of the official rankings altogether.
  • [autotag]Sean O’Malley[/autotag] getting an immediate title rematch would be ridiculous.
  • Sean O’Malley was a fraudulent UFC champion.
  • [autotag]Jamahal Hill[/autotag] needs to keep [autotag]Alex Pereira[/autotag]’s name out of his mouth.
  • The UFC would be foolish not to book [autotag]Conor McGregor[/autotag] vs. [autotag]Jorge Masvidal[/autotag] early next year.

Watch the full episode in the video above.

Coach Mike Brown surprised by Jorge Masvidal’s shape in return to ATT: ‘He’s focused, and he’s ready’

UFC star Jorge Masvidal is preparing to return to the cage, and American Top Team coach Mike Brown was surprised by his readiness.

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia – One of the biggest MMA stars in recent years, [autotag]Jorge Masvidal[/autotag], is gearing up for a return to the cage, and American Top Team coach [autotag]Mike Brown[/autotag] was pleasantly surprised to see how good he looked when he returned to the mats.

Masvidal (35-17 MMA, 12-10 UFC) recently expressed his desire to make a comeback to MMA after retiring last April. He hasn’t been completely removed from combat sports, though. In July, he boxed against the man he fought in the inaugural BMF title fight, Nate Diaz.

Despite spending a majority of the past year focusing on boxing, Brown says Masvidal is already in shape to compete in MMA, and that includes the grind of wrestling, which is typically the most grueling aspect of the sport.

“I was actually surprised when Jorge came back to the gym, how good of shape he was in,” Brown told MMA Junkie. “He was actually in really good shape, and he had obviously been training, and I’m talking wrestling shape. He was jumping right in and wrestling with the best guys.

“He didn’t get out of shape. He’s focused, and he’s ready. He has that itch and wants to do it again. He’s obviously a big star. There’s a lot of matchups that I’m sure people want to see. There’s a lot of fights I would like to see.”

Masvidal called it a career the first time after losing four consecutive fights. He failed to top then-champion Kamaru Usman in back-to-back title fights, lost a Fight of the Night against Colby Covington, and then came up short against Gilbert Burns.

“Gamebred’s” path to a title shot would be long, especially considering how much the welterweight division has changed in such a short period. But that’s fine with Brown, who would rather him take fights against other established stars than up-and-coming contenders.

“I’d like to see him in a more exciting, like a BMF-type fight,” Brown said. “Nothing like (a title contender fight), I don’t know, like a (Justin) Gaethje type of guy. I always like the Diaz brothers, that would be great. Nate for the third time, whatever, you know?

“There’s 20 fights that would probably excite me with Jorge. He’s exciting, man. He’s always fun to watch. He’s the man.”

Masvidal, 39, saw his popularity grow astronomically after his five-second flying knee knockout of Ben Askren in 2019. He followed that up by becoming the winner of the first-ever BMF title fight by stopping Nate Diaz. Although he hit a rough patch of results, Brown is excited to see him get back to action.

“I say it all the time: I think he’s got more weapons than anybody in the sport. He’s got so much technique, so much skill and can do so many different things. He’s fun to watch, and he’s also good on the mic as well.”

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Jorge Masvidal targets March UFC return: ‘I’m going to f*ck somebody up’

Jorge Masvidal is looking to make his UFC comeback in the first quarter of 2025.

[autotag]Jorge Masvidal[/autotag] is looking to make his UFC comeback in the first quarter of 2025.

Masvidal (35-17 MMA, 12-10 UFC) retired from MMA at UFC 287 in April 2023 after suffering his fourth consecutive loss to Gilbert Burns. He was granted permission while under contract with the UFC to box Nate Diaz in July, but lost the bout by majority decision.

It didn’t take long for “Gamebred” to get the itch to compete in MMA again, and hopes to return early next year.

“Next year in March, I’m there,” Masvidal said on Bo Nickal’s YouTube channel. “If they go to Miami, I’m going to f*ck somebody up in Miami.”

Despite Masvidal’s enthusiasm, UFC CEO Dana White said “probably not” when recently asked about the possibility of having both Tyron Woodley and Masvidal back to the UFC.

Masvidal, 39, capitalized on his time off since retiring from MMA to rest his body. He may have been prepping for a boxing match, but he wasn’t putting his body through strenuous sparring sessions, as well as grappling and jiu-jitsu.

“There’s nothing more f*cking demanding in this world, sport-wise, than MMA,” Masvidal said. “Because when you add in the wrestling, mixed with the f*cking knees to your nose, mixed with people trying to choke you out, and then the strength and conditioning we’ve got to do to keep it up, to be able to stay healthy. In a way, time away from MMA is like getting healthy (laughs).”

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Jorge Masvidal mum on UFC return specifics but says ‘big word, big news’ coming soon

Jorge Masvida teased a major announcement about his return to the UFC in the near future.

The point of this year has been reached when Dana White and UFC matchmakers could start looking toward 2025. And as they consider who to book when, they’ll have a familiar name to work with.

That’s because [autotag]Jorge Masvidal[/autotag], who remained under contract with the UFC despite a brief retirement, has said he’s “definitely” coming back to compete in MMA. Masvidal told MMA Junkie Radio on Thursday that his conversations with White, executive Hunter Campbell and matchmakers have been productive.

“Good news, good stuff with them right now, my brothers,” Masvidal said. “Good stuff coming, news very soon.”

When pressed for specifics about his impending UFC return, Masvidal played it close to the vest.

“There’s a lot of options on the freaking table,” Masvidal said. “We haven’t narrowed down a specific one yet. Kind of waiting for a couple things to go here and fall there. Then I’m supposed to get big word, brother – big word, big news. I’ll tell you now: It’d be the biggest news of the year probably.”

Could that mean a potential showdown with Conor McGregor, who’s no longer tied to Michael Chandler? After all, Masvidal and McGregor have feuded in the past. But it’s anyone’s guess.

Masvidal said he’s back at American Top Team and has started training mixed martial arts again – and he’s feeling the soreness after focusing only on boxing for several months leading up to his boxing match with Nate Diaz. Masvidal said he’s pushing himself hard thanks to Bellator champion Johnny Eblen, who’s gearing up for a title-fight rematch against Fabian Edwards next month at PFL: Battle of the Giants.

“I’ve gotten some good, quality rounds with Johnny,” Masvidal said. “Johnny’s getting ready to scrap and, f*ck, he’s on another level right now. He’s hitting the gas pedal very hard. He’s a real nightmare at the gym right now for everyone that’s going with him. I’m never gonna name drop, but there’s a lot of guys Johnny’s going in there with, man, and he’s putting in good work. I think this guy’s gonna be a future UFC champion.”

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REPLAY VIDEO: MMA Junkie Radio milestone Episode #3500 with big-name guests galore!

Celebrate MMA Junkie Radio’s 3,500th episode with “Gorgeous” George and “Goze” as they welcomed in a plethora of big-name guests.

Thursday’s episode of MMA Junkie Radio is like no other!

Hosts “Gorgeous” George and “Goze” celebrated their 3,500th episode with a special live stream of the show.

A plethora of big-name guests joined the show, including UFC stars of the past and present: [autotag]Jorge Masvidal[/autotag], [autotag]Michael Chandler[/autotag], [autotag]Randy Couture[/autotag], Chael Sonnen, [autotag]Rashad Evans[/autotag], [autotag]Gilbert Melendez[/autotag], [autotag]Ben Rothwell[/autotag], [autotag]Johny Hendricks[/autotag], and [autotag]Frank Trigg[/autotag]. Also joining the show were Xtreme Couture head coach Eric Nicksick, UFC reporter Megan Olivi, commedian/actor Joey Diaz, the legendary Burt Watson, as well as members of the MMA Junkie staff. Tune in!

You can watch the live stream of episode #3500 in the video above.

Chael Sonnen explains how Jorge Masvidal ‘has looked very thirsty as of late’

Calling out Leon Edwards? That’s a desperate move from Jorge Masvidal, according to Chael Sonnen.

[autotag]Chael Sonnen[/autotag] thinks [autotag]Jorge Masvidal[/autotag] is making a desperate attempt by calling out [autotag]Leon Edwards[/autotag].

Masvidal (35-17 MMA, 12-10 UFC), who’s still under contract with the UFC, is plotting an octagon return. He retired after losing a unanimous decision to Gilbert Burns in April 2023 – his fourth loss in a row – but has now changed his tune. Not only is “Gamebred” looking to fight again in the UFC, he wants to settle his grudge match with Edwards (22-4 MMA, 14-3 UFC), which never came to fruition. Sonnen is doubtful that happens.

“Masvidal has looked very thirsty as of late, and this is always a tough spot,” Sonnen said on his YouTube channel. “You’re fighting for money, the same reason you will get up and go to work. It’s for the money, but there’s something about it where you have to pretend that it’s not about the money. There’s some sort of act in there. ‘This is who I am. This is what I do.’ That part is just needed and if you get away from that act, or you don’t sell it well enough, then you go into a category called ‘looking thirsty.’ If he’s calling out guys like Leon, that guy is a badass, and that is what Jorge Masvidal is. And now that fight wouldn’t make a lot of sense.

“That fight isn’t taking you anywhere. It’s not taking you to a title fight. It’s not a title fight. For those reasons, the fight makes more sense. That’s the whole reason we couldn’t do it before. One was champion, but the other wasn’t a top contender. Or before, one was a huge star and the other just wasn’t there yet. All of the things that got in the way once upon a time, now here we are. I don’t predict that they’re going to make that fight. In fact, quite the opposite. I don’t predict for you anybody at the age of 40 is going to get signed to the Ultimate Fighting Championship, including if it’s a re-signing.”

Masvidal boxed Nate Diaz in July, losing the bout by majority decision. Meanwhile, after going unbeaten in 13-straight fights, Edwards lost his welterweight title to Belal Muhammad at UFC 304.

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Daniel Cormier isn’t sure fans will care much to see Jorge Masvidal back in UFC

“Do you care today, in 2024, to see Jorge Masvidal come back and fight someone?”

[autotag]Daniel Cormier[/autotag] isn’t sure if people will still be as interested in [autotag]Jorge Masvidal[/autotag] if he returns to the UFC.

Masvidal retired from MMA in April 2023 after losing his fourth fight in a row against Gilbert Burns at UFC 287. He was then granted permission while under contract with the UFC to box Nate Diaz in July. He lost the bout by majority decision.

Masvidal (35-17 MMA, 12-10 UFC) said he’s definitely returning to the octagon, and even thinks a title run isn’t out of the question if he’s able to just take out one top contender.

“Nate looked pretty good that night, and I thought he won that fight, but then Masvidal starts to talk about fighting mixed martial arts again,” Cormier said on his YouTube channel. “Look, I’m going to tell you this one thing: Jorge Masvidal should be commended for doing what he did to reach the levels of stardom that he did. Because when you look at his career as a whole, you really do see a guy that spent the vast majority of his prime, the vast majority of his youth as a middling fighter.

“It is what it is. That’s nothing to be ashamed of. It’s what it was. … Remember, when he started his UFC career, nobody cared. But then he has that great year where he beats Darren Till, then he beats Ben Askren, then he beats Nate Diaz to become the BMF champion in 2019, Madison Square Garden, (The) Rock puts the belt on. His star never shines so bright.”

But at 39, with five consecutive combat sports losses, Cormier questions if Masvidal still has the pull that once landed him in the top 10 highest-selling pay-per-views in UFC history when he lost a title fight to Kamaru Usman at UFC 251.

“Look at the names on his resume,” Cormier said. “At the end of the day, when you look at the career as a whole, it boils down to one year where Jorge Masvidal made you guys care, and it made him a star. But my question to you now is, do you still care? Because that’s what he’s banking on, right? He’s 39 years old. He has lost his last four MMA fights. He lost a boxing match.

“He said he will come back, starch somebody, and the UFC would be begging him to fight for a championship. My question to you is, do you care now? Do you care like you did in 2019? Do you care like you did when he was on that amazing run where he made himself from a guy that was middling, from a guy that was a bit of a journeyman, into a main event attraction? Him and Kamaru Usman sold a boatload of pay-per-views. But do you care today, in 2024, to see Jorge Masvidal come back and fight someone?”

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Jorge Masvidal ‘definitely’ returning to UFC next: ‘Title run is never ever out of the question’

Who should Jorge Masvidal face in his UFC return?

The next time [autotag]Jorge Masvidal[/autotag] competes, he says it will be in the UFC cage.

Masvidal (35-17 MMA, 12-10 UFC) was granted permission while under contract with the UFC to box Nate Diaz in July. He lost the bout by majority decision.

Masvidal’s fire for MMA still burns, however. The 39-year-old says he still has plenty of fight left in him and he plots a UFC return.

“I had a blast doing the boxing. It was fun. It was everything, but there’s just nothing in the world that compares to MMA,” Masvidal recently told Grind City Media. “There ain’t sh*t in the world like MMA. I just finished up training at American Top Team right now and it’s just the funnest thing I’ve ever done in my life.

“There’s a lot of nights I went to sleep just missing it, just doing certain training or certain workouts. I f*cking love it, man. Definitely 100 percent back to MMA. I don’t know when I’m fighting, but I’m fighting either the end of this year or next year.”

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Masvidal retired after losing a unanimous decision to Gilbert Burns at UFC 287 in April 2023 – his fourth loss in a row. However, not only does “Gamebred” intend on fighting again, the fan favorite is shooting for the top.

“When I get the biggest fights that I can possibly get, knock that motherf*cker dead, they’ll be begging me to fight for the title,” Masvidal said. “A title run is never ever out of the question. Especially for somebody as skilled as me.”

Masivdal fought for the UFC welterweight title twice, falling short both times to Kamaru Usman. His first fight with Usman at UFC 251 is reportedly one of the highest selling pay-per-views in company history.

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