UFC Baddest Mother F***er Jorge Masvidal served as part of the commentary team on Saturday night for Saul Canelo Alvarez vs. Avni Yildirim, and after the event spoke with the media about his next fight. “Gamebred” said that he had just gotten word he was rematching welterweight champion Kamaru Usman this summer.
Right now I’m focused on me fighting for the belt, which is going to be in August/September, actually September, we just got word on this, said Masvidal. So you’re like the second person actually to know this right now. That’s just how luck works man. A lot of MMA media sites are going to be mad I dropped to on yours first, boxing of all people. There’s going to call me a traitor. But that’s what I’m worried about.
However, the great Damon Martin for MMA Fighting wisely reached out to Usman’s manager, Dominance MMA founder Ali Abdelaziz, for confirmation.
Masvidal doesn’t decide anything, said Abdelaziz. He needs to sit down and keep working his wrestling. When the champ makes a decision maybe he will give them an opportunity but for now nothing happening.
Although it may still be in negotiation, that fight is likely next for “The Nigerian Nightmare.” After successfully defending his title for the third time vs. Gilbert Burns at UFC 258 on February 13, Usman called for a rematch with Masvidal. In their first fight, Usman won via Unanimous Decision, but Masvidal took the bout on just six days’ notice.
This time I want to stop him for real because I think that’s the only thing that’s going to close his mouth, said Usman after defeating Burns. Pretending walking around here like he’s Jesus or something. Well, I’m going to put him in a coffin this time. This time I will stop him. I promise you. That’s why I was disappointed in myself that last fight because I know I can stop him but with all the circumstances took place, I just went out there and dominated him from start to finish. This time I will stop him if he wants to step up.
In sum, the fighters want it and it’s marketable, so it’s likely happening, but the contract isn’t finalized. Further, the pair may serve as opposing coaches on the next season of TUF.
UG, how do you think the rematch goes?
