Jorge Masvidal had a 2019 to remember. “Gamebred” became the year’s breakout star thanks to stunning knockouts of Darren Till and Ben Askren, plus his “BMF” title victory over Nate Diaz. And don’t forget the “three-piece and a soda,” too.
How does Masvidal follow a year like that? His first fight of 2020 should be a big occasion, but should he push for a welterweight title fight against champion Kamaru Usman, or go for the guaranteed money a Conor McGregor fight would bring? That’s the dilemma MMA Junkie’s Farah Hannoun, Simon Head and Nolan King attempt to answer in the latest edition of Triple Take.
Farah Hannoun: Time to upgrade the “BMF” belt for the real thing
Jorge Masvidal has become one of the biggest stars in the UFC, but he’s also a top welterweight contender.
While the sky’s the limit in terms of big money fights for “BMF” champion Masvidal, he’s also in a unique spot in his UFC career. He should be next in line for a title shot, and considering how long he’s been in the game, a title shot is long over due.
His only title opportunity for a major organization came in 2011 when he challenged for the Strikeforce lightweight title, but fell short to Gilbert Melendez.
Almost a decade later, Masvidal has positioned himself once again for a shot at gold, and has even had his fair share of back and forth with 170-pound champ Kamaru Usman to help garner interest from the fans. A fight with Usman surely won’t generate as much money as a fight with the likes of Conor McGregor, but Masvidal deserves an opportunity to add a UFC belt to his legacy.
If he takes other fights, he may risk losing that opportunity with a loss. At this point in his career, it may not come again.
His confidence is at an all-time high, having notched three stoppage wins in 2019, including a record-breaking flying knee knockout for the ages. One of the best boxers in the UFC, Masvidal would definitely pose an interesting stylistic matchup for Usman. He also has an underrated ground game, which would be important since he’d likely have to fend off numerous takedown attempts from Usman.
If he wins a UFC title, his star will only shine brighter with the ability to cash in even bigger checks. It’s time “Gamebred” goes for gold.
Next page – Simon Head: It simply has to be McGregor
Triple Take: Should Jorge Masvidal chase a title first, or a 'Red Panty Night' in 2020?