Jorge Masvidal discusses "special relationship" with UFC, talks potential octagon return after three-fight Fanmio contract
It seems highly likely that fans haven't witnessed the final chapter of Jorge Masvidal's UFC journey. 'Gamebred' recently opened up about his close ties with the MMA promotion and hinted at a potential return to the octagon following the completion of his three-fight Fanmio contract.
The former UFC welterweight title challenger retired in April 2023 following a decisive loss to Gilbert Burns at UFC 287. This marked his fourth consecutive defeat in the octagon, following two unsuccessful attempts to claim the UFC 170-pound title from then-champion Kamaru Usman.
During a recent appearance on the Full Send Podcast, 'Gamebred' revealed that he is still under contract with the UFC. He also mentioned that the Dana White-led MMA organization has granted him special permission to pursue opportunities in boxing:
"It's not that I left; they [UFC] let me go do three boxing matches, and I still have a contract with them. I think I'm the first one to get released from a multi-fight [contract]... I gotta do boxing and come back. I now have a three-fight contract with Fanmio, too, to do boxing and get the biggest matchups I can come up with and then I'm still in contract with the UFC."
Masvidal went on to explain that he secured this one-of-a-kind clause in his contract due to his exceptional rapport with the UFC. He added:
"Me and the UFC have got a special relationship. I have done a lot of things where I have put myself in not the best position, but I delivered numerous times, so they got a little bit of soft side with me."
Check out Jorge Masvidal's comments below:
Masvidal is set to fight against former foe Nate Diaz in a 10-round light heavyweight boxing match. The highly anticipated rematch is scheduled for July 6 at the Honda Center in Anaheim, California.
The former UFC stars first faced off at UFC 244 in November 2019, where Masvidal secured a TKO (doctor's stoppage) victory over Diaz, earning the first BMF title.
Jorge Masvidal eyes Leon Edwards for potential UFC comeback fight
Amid speculation about his UFC comeback, Jorge Masvidal has expressed interest in fighting Leon Edwards in his potential return to the octagon.
During a recent interview with Michael Bisping, 'Gamebred' stated that he wants to finally settle his long-standing rivalry with the reigning welterweight champion. He said:
"I would love to fight Leon. Hopefully, he still has the belt when I come back around; let’s see what happens, man."
Check out Jorge Masvidal's comments below (12:21):
Back in 2019, Masvidal and 'Rocky' engaged in a backstage brawl following UFC London. The two fighters were later in talks to face off at UFC 269 in December 2021, but the bout never materialized as 'Gamebred' chose to fight Colby Covington at UFC 272 in March 2022.