What Happened to Jorge Masvidal?

By Ali Hammad April 14, 2024 12:09

Jorge Masvidal, a prominent figure in the world of mixed martial arts (MMA), has had a career marked by notable achievements, unexpected turns, and intriguing announcements.

Early Career

Masvidal commenced his mixed martial arts journey with a remarkable knockout victory at HOOKnSHOOT: Absolute Fighting Championships 3 in May 2003.

This victory set the stage for an eventful career, including a significant win against Joe Lauzon at Absolute Fighting Championships XII in April 2004.

His early success continued as he achieved a 3–0 record in the now-defunct BodogFIGHT promotion, securing victories over notable opponents such as Keith Wisniewski, Steve Berger, and Yves Edwards.

Bellator Stint

Masvidal's path led him to Bellator, where he participated in their lightweight tournament in April 2009.

Despite a victorious start against Nick Agallar at Bellator 1, Masvidal faced a setback in the semifinals when he was defeated by Toby Imada at Bellator 5.

Imada's triumph via inverted triangle choke submission in the third round was acknowledged as Submission of the Year by prominent MMA media outlets.

Following this setback, Masvidal triumphed over Eric Reynolds at Bellator 12 in a 160 lb. catchweight bout via rear-naked choke submission. Despite rumors of further fights, Masvidal was subsequently released by the organization.

Post-Bellator Ventures

Masvidal transitioned to the welterweight division, engaging in a notable bout against Paul Daley at Shark Fights 13 in Amarillo, Texas in September 2010. Although Daley secured a unanimous decision victory after failing to make weight, Masvidal's performance caught the attention of Strikeforce, leading to his signing with the organization.

Returning to Strikeforce in early 2011, Masvidal faced Billy Evangelista at Strikeforce: Feijao vs. Henderson, securing a unanimous decision victory.

UFC Stint and Retirement

Masvidal's journey in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) is characterized by remarkable moments and tough decisions. He challenged Kamaru Usman for the UFC welterweight title twice before facing setbacks against Colby Covington and Gilbert Burns.

Following the loss to Burns at UFC 287, Masvidal announced his retirement from fighting, marking a significant turn in his career.

Boxing Career and Rematch

After retiring from MMA, Masvidal ventured into the world of boxing. Notably, his path converged with that of Nate Diaz, leading to their memorable encounter in the UFC octagon at UFC 244 in 2019.

The fight was called off due to a cut suffered by Diaz, leading to a prolonged campaign for an MMA rematch. But with Masvidal's retirement from MMA and Diaz's pursuit of a boxing career, the fighters and their promotional companies orchestrated a rematch in the squared circle.

Masvidal's Return to Fighting

Less than a year after announcing his retirement, Masvidal hinted at a potential return to fighting. While details regarding his immediate plans for fighting remain scarce, speculation is rife about possible matchups and his potential return to the UFC.

The timing of his announcement suggests the possibility of a return as part of UFC 300 in Las Vegas.

Jorge Masvidal's journey in the world of combat sports has been an amalgamation of triumphs, setbacks, unexpected turns, and intriguing announcements.

From his early career successes to his retirement from MMA and subsequent foray into the realm of boxing, Masvidal's story is a testament to the dynamic nature of professional fighting careers.

With each chapter of Masvidal's career unveiling new narratives and possibilities, his impact on the world of fighting remains indelible, promising an exciting future for this resilient and enigmatic athlete.