Defining Fights: UFC 251 headliner Jorge Masvidal

UFC “BMF” champion Jorge Masvidal steps into the main event spotlight on just six days’ notice as he takes on reigning UFC welterweight champion Kamaru Usman in the main event of UFC 251.

Masvidal (35-13 MMA, 12-6 UFC) has agreed to step into the breach after Brazilian contender Gilbert Burns was forced out of the main event following a positive COVID-19 test. It means “Gamebred” will contest his first UFC title fight – and only his second fight for a major MMA title – in a 16-year career that has seen him face a who’s who of notable names throughout a career spanning a host of continents and promotions.

Ahead of his main event clash with Usman (16-1 MMA, 11-0 UFC) on Saturday, we take a look at five fights that have helped define Masvidal’s UFC career so far.

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Cezar Ferreira at The Ultimate Fighter Season 21 Finale – Jul. 12, 2015

After going 5-2 in the UFC’s lightweight division, Masvidal made the move back to welterweight for the first time in five years as he took on Brazil’s Cezar Ferreira in the finale of the American Top Team vs. Blackzilians season of The Ultimate Fighter.

Ferreira looked to rough up Masvidal early, and managed to get “Gamebred” to the canvas via a well-executed takedown. But Masvidal avoided any damage from the bottom and worked his way back to his feet, before starting to let fly with his strikes.

Ferreira looked to grab another takedown, but Masvidal was wise to it and kept things upright, even when shoved back against the fence. Once there, “Gamebred” bided his time, then exploded off the cage with a huge elbow that dropped Ferreira to the canvas. Four piston-like punches to the downed Brazilian closed the show and announced Masvidal as a dangerous new threat at 170 pounds.

Watch Jorge Masvidal vs. Cezar Ferreira on UFC Fight Pass

Next up: Shooting down “Cowboy”