Jorge Masvidal would rather fight McGregor than get title shot
If given the choice, Jorge Masvidal would pass on a welterweight title shot and rather fight Conor McGregor.
2019 has been a fantastic year for Masvidal. He entered the year on the heels of two straight losses and a year of inactivity. He then went on to upset Darren Till via knockout, and won two additional, spectacular fights via finish. Now, he stands as many peoples male Fighter of the year for 2019, and with good reason. He set the record for fastest UFC knockout with a vicious KO over Ben Askren, and beat Nate Diaz to win the first and only BMF title in the UFC.
When presented with a whopping four awards by ESPN’s Ariel Helwani, Masvidal obviously agreed to join the show. When asked about future fights for 2020 Masvidal admitted that he’s interested in seeing how Conor McGregor vs Donald Cerrone plays out. If it ends in victory for the former, that’s a bout that would intrigue Masvidal and his team.
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“[McGregor] is a two-time division champion, he has an impressive record and he comes to fight, so in that aspect, yes [I want that fight],” Masvidal said. “And we’re both going to sell out wherever we fight and there’s going to be violence. But if the dude doesn’t want to fight, I’m not a bully, so go do your thing. If he doesn’t want this, I don’t give a fuck then. You want to fight, you don’t want to fight, but don’t flirt with me. You want it or you don’t. Leave me alone if you don’t.”
As of now Kamaru Usman holds the welterweight title, which he has now defended once as well. McGreor has spoken about the welterweight division for years, and seems intrigued by the aspect of earning a UFC title in a third division.
However, Masvidal was quick to put the breaks on talk of McGregor challenging for the welterweight title. The BMF title holder feels that he is the biggest name in the division and should be next in line.
“And he’s talking about he wants the title fight with Usman, no, at [170]? I’m [in] the way,” Masvidal said. “I decide when Usman will fight, who he will fight, all of that. Everybody knows that. He might be the one with the fucking belt, but I’m the one calling the shots.”
Additionally, Masvidal also said that the welterweight title always will be in the UFC, whereas McGregor wont. While 2019 certainly has been Masvidal’s year, the steps he’s taken along the way have been carefully calculated. He’s made the correct moves all year not just as a fighter but also as a businessman, building his brand. His star shines brighter than ever, and it would be unsurprising if he gets the fights he wants this year.
