Jorge Masvidal said Tuesday that he wants an instant rematch with UFC welterweight champ Kamaru Usman, even if it would imply passing on a prospective bout with Conor McGregor, which Dana White said could be the biggest battle in UFC history.
Usman won an unanimous decision over Masvidal early Sunday morning on “Fight Island” in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
” I desire that damn belt, and I persist,” Masvidal informed ESPNs Ariel Helwani. “And I understand Im much better than Usman, and I want to prove it. I wish to battle again.
” Im not going to take nothing from him; he won the very first one. Lets do it again.”
1 RelatedMasvidal was respectful in making sure Usman got the proper credit, regardless of Masvidal taking the fight on brief notice. Masvidal and the UFC consented to a brand-new agreement July 4, precisely one week prior to UFC 251, and the absence of an appropriate battle camp seemed to play a function in Masvidals conditioning as he appeared gassed after he kipped down a solid very first round. Usman is 12-0 in the UFC and one of the finest fighters on the world, so even a complete camp for Masvidal may not have actually altered the result.
Still, Masvidal desires the chance to learn, and he stated that as long as Usman is the challenger, he d like to fight again this year.
Masvidal initially was targeted for UFC 251, however settlements with the UFC fell apart and Gilbert Burns was tabbed on June 9 as the new opposition. But Burns checked positive for COVID-19 on July 3, triggering a brand-new round of settlements in between Masvidal and the UFC.
” You can tell me that McGregor today would make X, Y, Z dollars, the biggest pay-per-view you get in history, right, and Im going to get paid permanently,” Masvidal stated. “I feel Im getting compensated all right now that if I keep making the right decisions Ive been doing, this money is permanently cash. So its not about money.”
Masvidals improbable story consisted of a breakout year in 2019, when he scored 3 knockouts to end up being a star in his 16th year in MMA. He wished to capitalize the momentum with his biggest-money battle, today his concerns obviously have actually changed.
” Well talk with [the UFC],” Masvidal stated. “Im sure Usman would be onboard, due to the fact that this is the most cash hes made.
” So if he wishes to make that big-boy cash once again, got ta run it back, begun, lets go. In company that makes sense. I do not know what his management is believing or what hes thinking, but clearly thats what I wish to do.”
Usmans supervisor, Ali Abdelaziz, who likewise represents Burns, has been adamant that Burns should have the next title shot. Leon Edwards, who has actually won 8 in a row, likewise desires his shot.
” Im not going to be evaluating any person,” Masvidal stated. “Is Gilbert great? Yes. Is Leon excellent? Yes. These people are excellent, but Im going to elect myself. I want to battle Usman next.”
Right away after UFC 251, while still in the Octagon, Masvidal and Usman shared some words of respect. Masvidal seemed to state he would be back after a win or 2. Apparently, that timeline has actually changed.
” I want that damn belt, and Im persistent,” Masvidal told ESPNs Ariel Helwani. 1 RelatedMasvidal was respectful in making sure Usman got the appropriate credit, regardless of Masvidal taking the fight on brief notification. Masvidal and the UFC concurred to a new agreement July 4, exactly one week prior to UFC 251, and the lack of an appropriate battle camp appeared to play a role in Masvidals conditioning as he appeared gassed after he turned in a strong very first round. Usman is 12-0 in the UFC and one of the finest fighters on the planet, so even a complete camp for Masvidal may not have actually changed the outcome.
Right away after UFC 251, while still in the Octagon, Masvidal and Usman shared some words of regard.
