What mattered most at UFC 244 in New York? Here are a few post-fight musings …
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1. 2019 was Jorge Masvidal’s year, and 2020 could be, too
I fail to see anyone who comes close to rivaling Jorge Masvidal as the 2019 “Fighter of the Year.” From his knockout of Darren Till in March to his record-setting knockout of Ben Askren in July to the TKO of Nate Diaz that led to winning the “BMF” title Saturday at UFC 244, it’s a fairytale-like stretch for Masvidal (35-13 MMA, 12-6 UFC).
Calling it a fairytale is no exaggeration, either. Masvidal has been around for more than 16 years as a professional fighter, and while he wasn’t a completely forgotten presence during all that time, it’s only within the past year that he’s evolved into one of the greatest stars in the sport.
2019 will go down as a career and life-changing stretch for Masvidal. Crazily enough, though, 2020 could be even bigger. Right now he’s the clear No. 1 contender in the welterweight division. If Colby Covington happens to beat Kamaru Usman to take that belt at UFC 245, the matchup of friends-turned-foes is one of the biggest fights the UFC can make.
A potential showdown with Conor McGregor has gained steam in the fallout of UFC 244, too, and that would obviously be huge for Masvidal. As would a rematch with Diaz.
If Masvidal can get any combination of those fights next year – and win – he will have the sport of MMA in the palm of his hand.
6 biggest takeaways from UFC 244: Masvidal's star, Diaz's rematch hopes and more
