Jorge Masvidal rolled the die by accepting and retiring a welterweight UFC title against Kamaru Usman six days in advance. The popular BMF champion was thoroughly dominated by Usman and made a unanimous decision at the main event of UFC 251 on “Fight Island” in Abu Dhabi.
But Masvidal probably hasn’t lost any of its popularity, considering that the deck was stacked against him and the fight went as most people thought. He did not suffer much damage and could certainly find himself in a top-class fight on his next trip.
Masvidal was disappointed with his performance and was not interested in discussing future opponents with Usman later outside of a possible rematch. Finally he came over and said he was ready to take over who would bring him closer to another title opportunity.
“Leon Edwards, if the numbers make sense or whoever brings me closer to the title,” said the 35-year-old. Masvidal and current welterweight candidate # 4 had a behind-the-scenes fight last March, and the fight makes sense from a marketing perspective with a built-in narrative to add to the fight.
But there is another higher-ranking opponent than Edwards who has a history with Masvidal and could bring “Gamebred” back into the title fight.
Colby Covington.
“The fragile guy with the MAGA hat, definitely not him, because (Usman) coped with a full training camp,” Masvidal said dismissively about his former training partner, who became an enemy. “He had about 12 weeks and was done, so I think this guy is a lot below me. Six days in advance and I was nowhere near injured or disturbed, so definitely not this punk. “
Covington was stopped by Usman’s fifth round in December and has not fought since then. He is currently in second place ahead of Masvidal and given his turbulent history with Masvidal, this seems to be a very marketable fight for the UFC.
The two were training partners with the American Top Team before problems arose between Covington and his teammates, including Dustin Poirier and Masvidal. Eventually, the turmoil caused Covington to leave ATT. The two exchanged barbs over the media last year and it seems like they’ll have to cross at some point if they want to jump another step in the welterweight title.
But if it goes to Masvidal, it will never happen.
“Nobody knows this guy,” he said. “He broke his jaw (from Usman) and had to get out of there.”
You know what that means, right? The fight is likely to take place.
