LAS VEGAS – Jorge Masvidal has options for his return to the cage.
Since his UFC 244 “BMF” title victory over Nate Diaz in November, welterweight contender Masvidal (35-13 MMA, 11-4 UFC) has done a tidal wave of interviews. In just about every one, two names have repeatedly been brought up: Conor McGregor and Kamaru Usman.
Masvidal has said he’ll take on any and all comers. He’s expressed interest in the McGregor (21-4 MMA, 9-2 UFC) and Usman (16-1 MMA, 11-0 UFC) matchups.
Wednesday, UFC president Dana White weighed in and told MMA Junkie he’d prefer to see Masvidal take on Usman next.
Thursday, Masvidal made it clear he prefers the alternative. Masvidal said a matchup with McGregor is a much bigger fight. It’s the one he’s most interested in. McGregor headlines UFC 246 on Saturday against Donald Cerrone at welterweight.
“I won’t say it’s not the right move,” Masvidal said of White’s comments. “Usman is a fight. Conor is obviously flirting with the idea of fighting me.
“If me and Conor go in the octagon, what happens? It’s one of the biggest fights in history, just by math (with) what Conor’s been doing and the last couple fights I’ve had. The engagements and pay-per-views broke records with ESPN. Obviously it’s a formula for success.”
In Masvidal’s eyes, the prize earned fighting McGregor would be mega-attention and likely a mega-payday. If Masvidal fights Usman, the prize is the welterweight title. But as Masvidal pointed out, there will always be a 170-pound titleholder waiting to be challenged.
“Someone will always have the belt at 170 pounds,” Masvidal said. “It doesn’t really matter if it’s Kamaru or not. Conor is a bigger fight. If Conor doesn’t do his job or Conor doesn’t want to fight after his fight (with Cerrone), we’re going to take Usman’s head off.”
Jorge Masvidal prefers Conor McGregor next: 'It's one of the biggest fights in history'
