Jorge Masvidal’s UFC Career: All the details

Jorge Masvidal is among the most popular fighters ever to grace the UFC octagon, and his journey in the world’s biggest MMA promotion was nothing short of incredible. This article closely examines Masvidal’s historic UFC debut, notable opponents, and legacy. 

Jorge Masvidal’s UFC Debut

Jorge Masvidal made his official UFC debut in April 2013, almost ten years and 30 fights after his professional debut in May 2003. ‘Gamebred’ was matched up against fellow MMA veteran Time Means in a lightweight contest at UFC on Fox 7 in San Jose, California. He ultimately outpointed Means to win the fight via unanimous decision. 

Notable Opponents

Jorge Masvidal has had a remarkable career in the UFC, where he faced numerous world-class opponents in some of the most unforgettable matches in the promotion’s history. Here are some of Masvidal’s most notable opponents:

Nate Diaz: While Jorge Masvidal has featured in several high-profile bouts throughout his career, perhaps none were as professionally significant as his iconic ‘BMF’ (Baddest Motherf***er) title fight against Nate Diaz. 

The fight headlined the UFC 244 event at Madison Square Garden in New York. While the ‘BMF’ belt signified a symbolic championship, Masvidal and Diaz put on a show for the fans, who were excited to see the two highly-skilled brawlers go head-to-head.

In the fight, Diaz’s legendary durability played its part, but Masvidal’s elbows and knees ended up opening a gash right above the Stockton native’s right eye, which ended the contest just before the fourth round began. Masvidal defeated Nate Diaz via TKO to take home the black and gunmetal-grey BMF belt. 

Kamaru Usman: Perhaps one of Jorge Masvidal’s most fierce rivals in the UFC, former welterweight champion Kamaru Usman defended his title against the Miami native twice. Fresh off winning the ‘BMF’ title against Nate Diaz, ‘Gamebred’ challenged Kamaru Usman for the first time in a title fight at UFC 251 in July 2020. 

Masvidal failed to mount a significant offense against Usman despite his best efforts, who controlled the fight with his superior grappling and clinch work. ‘Gamebred’ lost the fight via unanimous decision. The two were booked for an immediate rematch at UFC 261, where ‘The Nigerian Nightmare’ secured a second-round knockout victory to win both his fights against Jorge Masvidal. 

Ben Askren: Jorge Masvidal’s fight against Ben Askren at UFC 239 in July 2019 was one for the books. On fight day, as the opening bell rang, Jorge Masvidal burst out of the gate with an explosive flying knee that put Ben Askren’s lights out in just 5 seconds. The lightning-quick finish went down as the fastest knockout in UFC history. 

Jorge Masvidal’s Legacy

Jorge Masvidal’s storied career in the UFC cemented his status as a legend of the promotion. While his journey was marked with memorable in-octagon moments, such as becoming the ‘BMF’ champion and setting the UFC’s fastest knockout record, his charisma and authentic personality outside the octagon truly made him a fan favorite. 

‘Gamebred’ retired from MMA with a record of 35-17 after losing his fourth straight fight against Gilbert Burns at UFC 287. 

Conclusion

Jorge Masvidal made his UFC debut in April 2013 and spent over ten years solidifying his MMA legacy in the promotion. He consistently fought top-ranked opponents in the welterweight division and is widely known as one of the most iconic welterweights in UFC history.