Report – Jorge Masvidal eyes October or November return, clash with Nick Diaz, Colby Covington
Two-time UFC welterweight title challenger, Jorge ‘Gamebred’ Masvidal is reportedly planning his second Octagon outing of the year for this October or November — with rumoured pairings against the likes of former title challenger, Nick Diaz or one-time interim gold holder, arch-rival, Colby Covington both eyed as potential opponents.
Headlining a hometown event in April, BMF champion, Masvidal rematched welterweight kingpin, Kamaru Usman, to round out a three title-fight card at UFC 261 — suffering a massive, one-punch second round knockout. The loss came Masvidal’s second consecutively following a unanimous decision defeat to Usman on ‘Fight Island’ last July.Â
Prior to the immediate title rematch against Auchi native, Usman, Masvidal was linked to a coaching role on a reboot of The Ultimate Fighter against former teammate and interim welterweight titleholder, Covington. With the rumoured pairing failing to come to fruition, Covington claimed that Masvidal turned down a “seven-figure” payday to coach the TUF reboot opposite him.
Following his loss to Usman, with the above-mentioned former Strikeforce and WEC welterweight champion, Diaz in attendance at the Vystar Veteran’s Memorial Arena — Masvidal was linked to a potential pairing with the Stockton fan favourite, having bested Diaz’s younger brother, Nate Diaz at UFC 244 in November 2019 to lift the symbolic BMF championship.
Per a report tonight from Ariel Helwani who spoke with Masvidal’s manager, First Round Management leader, Abraham Kawa — Masvidal is currently eyeing a return to the Octagon in either October or November, with a pairing against either Diaz or Covington targeted.
“Spoke to Jorge Masvidal’s manager, Abraham Kawa, about what’s next for Masvidal,” Helwani reported. “He said Masvidal is targeting a return in October/November against either Nick Diaz or Colby Covington.“
Recent rumblings have suggested the Usman would take on Covington in a title rematch next, and with Gilbert Burns set to meet with two-time title challenger, Stephen Thompson this weekend in the co-main event of UFC 264 — the division appears quite muddled.Â
#3 ranked contender, Leon Edwards also featured recently — taking home a unanimous decision win over Nate Diaz in a five round bout at UFC 263 in June.Â
Senior writer for FightBook MMA. An aspiring mixed martial arts reporter based in Ireland. Producer of news articles, interviews, opinion features, and exclusive features such as, ‘The Fallout’, ‘The Breakdown, and, ‘This Week In MMA’.
