Jorge Masvidal targets Conor McGregor as a potential opponent for his eagerly anticipated UFC comeback, claiming the fight would end in devastating fashion.
The 40-year-old’s last outing – a 10-round professional boxing match – took place earlier this year, when he lost a majority decision to Nate Diaz.
Jorge Masvidal, though, had previously scored a third-round stoppage over Diaz, becoming the original BMF champion, when they locked horns in the octagon back in 2019.
But, after suffering four defeats on the bounce against some of the sport’s slickest operators, ‘Gamebred’ is now looking to reignite his MMA career.
Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty ImagesJorge Masvidal calls out Conor McGregor
Following a sensational victory over Diaz, Masvidal entered his first UFC title fight against Kamaru Usman in 2020.
Having taken the opportunity on short notice, the combat sports star gave a solid account of himself through five rounds, but ultimately lost a unanimous decision.
Sure enough, the American was then decisively beaten in their immediate rematch, before losing to seasoned contenders Colby Covington and Gilbert Burns.
With Masvidal looking to get back in the win column, though, he has now teased a potential showdown against Conor McGregor next year.
McGregor, of course, has not fought since his crushing defeat to Dustin Poirier back in 2021.
But still, ‘The Notorious’ has insisted that he will make a spectacular return at some point next year, potentially headlining a planned UFC card in Miami.
And so, with McGregor representing the most lucrative option, Masvidal is seemingly confident that the pair will collide in April.
“I’d like for it to be Conor because I heard he also wants to fight on that same date,” Masvidal told Hablemos MMA in Spanish.
“He’s never mentioned my name because he knows I’ll rip his head off. However, if him and the UFC make that mistake, I’ll take his head off in Miami in April.
“They’re saying he might want to do it, but I’m chilling. If he wants to do it, great – I’ll kill him.”
Jorge Masvidal names Leon Edwards as an alternative opponent for his UFC return
While a clash with McGregor could be huge, there is still plenty of uncertainty attached to the Irishman’s comeback.
And so, instead of focusing all of his attention on the MMA star, Masvidal has named former welterweight champion Leon Edwards as a possible back-up option.
Since losing his title to Belal Muhammad in a sizable upset earlier this year, Edwards has not revealed any hints regarding his next assignment.
But with Masvidal looking to rejoin the scene at 170 lbs, the Brit could be enticed by the potential matchup.
“[Edwards] and I have history, and it’s time to settle it,” Masvidal added. “He’s not booked, and neither am I. Let’s go, sign the contract, and I’ll break your face.”