Jorge Masvidal stated in an interview Sunday night with ESPNs Ariel Helwani that he has signed a new multifight agreement with the UFC ahead of his bout versus Kamaru Usman at UFC 251.
Masvidal stated that the UFC didnt provide him each and every single thing he asked for however that the deal came “really, very close” to that and hes “pleased” with it.
Masvidal had actually been one of the most singing UFC stars in years on the topic of fighter pay. Last month, the welterweight star tweeted that if the UFC didnt think he was worth it, the promotion must release him.
Those tweets were made as the negotiations in between the UFC and Masvidal for a welterweight title battle against Usman broke down. On Sunday– simply 6 days prior to the battle– the 2 sides finally concerned an arrangement.
Usman will safeguard his welterweight belt against Masvidal in the primary event of UFC 251 on Saturday in Abu Dhabi. Usmans previous opponent, Gilbert Burns, withdrew Friday due to the fact that of disease. Masvidal is stepping in on 6 days notification, though he was the opposition the UFC tabbed in the first location before agreement talks halted.
2 Related” Im happy more than anything due to the fact that I get to break this persons face and get paid for it,” Masvidal said.
Masvidal stated the UFCs very first offer last month for him to combat Usman was a “s– offer on the pay-per-view end and on the ensured side.”
” I can comprehend you dont want to provide me that much on the guaranteed,” Masvidal said. “But on the pay-per-view, what I bring in, what individuals purchase, I want more money on that, and they werent budging.
Masvidal stated he will not stop speaking up about what he views as a problem with just how much fighters get paid. He said things have gotten closer to an understanding in between him personally and the UFC.
” Were not there yet, but were headed because direction,” Masvidal said. “Moving forward after this battle, theyre gon na treat me accordingly. Or Ill just action in last minute 6 days to get and go paid then, I think. Thats the brand-new plan I need to do, whatever. But Im gon na earn money each time out.”
Masvidal flew to Las Vegas on Sunday and passed a COVID-19 test. His supervisor, Ali Abdelaziz, informed ESPN on Sunday night that “the battle is on.”
Regarding training and being all set to combat, Masvidal stated he wasnt in a full training camp because he didnt understand he d be competing in a battle until this weekend. “Gamebred” said he had actually been at his American Top Team health club two or 3 times a week and lifting and remaining active. Masvidal said he weighed 192 pounds on Saturday. Hell need to weigh 170 pounds at maximum this coming Friday for the title battle to be official.
” I never ever stopped training,” Masvidal said. “Im always training. But Im not always in the gym doing the specifics.” Masvidal stated that he believes hes in sufficient shape to eliminate Saturday, while taking a shot at Usman compared to two of Masvidals current challengers.
… Maybe not to combat Ben Askren. Im not in Ben Askren shape, because hes a hell of a wrestler. Or even to battle a person like Darren Till.
Masvidal will have 48 career pro battles Saturday when he makes the walk versus Usman (pending further COVID-19 procedures in Abu Dhabi). Thats the 2nd most ever for a fighter appearing in his/her very first UFC title fight. If he wins, Masvidal currently knows whom he wants to protect the welterweight belt versus: Nate Diaz and Stephen “Wonderboy” Thompson.
Diaz praised the rescheduling of Usman vs. Masvidal this weekend, tweeting “genuine fighters are much better fights.” Masvidal stopped Diaz via TKO due to a doctors stoppage at UFC 244 last November at Madison Square Garden. It was Masvidals 3rd straight finish, propelling him to UFC stardom and the mythical “BMF” title. But it wasnt the method he desired to beat Diaz.
” No matter what, it was a great fight,” Masvidal stated. “Me nor the world didnt get the results that we wanted. I understand Nate wishes to run it back. Im telling you– Im speaking from the heart– I want to run it back.”
Of course, Usman is the opponent. Masvidal imagines a vicious end at UFC 251.
” Cold-blooded as can be,” Masvidal said. “His body is grasping for air as Ive got my hand raised over him.
Usman will safeguard his welterweight belt against Masvidal in the primary occasion of UFC 251 on Saturday in Abu Dhabi. Masvidal is stepping in on 6 days notice, though he was the opposition the UFC tabbed in the first location prior to agreement talks stopped.
Relating to training and being ready to battle, Masvidal said he wasnt in a complete training camp because he didnt know he d be contending in a battle until this weekend. Masvidal stated that he thinks hes in sufficient shape to combat Saturday, while taking a shot at Usman compared with 2 of Masvidals recent opponents.
Masvidal stopped Diaz through TKO due to a doctors blockage at UFC 244 last November at Madison Square Garden.
