It looks like Jorge Masvidal has found life outside of competition underwhelming.
In a surprise announcement on X, the former BMF champion tweeted the single word “unretired” on Sunday evening.
Since retiring last April, Jorge Masvidal has kept himself busy as the head of the bare-knuckle MMA promotion Gamebred Fighting Championships. The company’s most recent event took place on Nov. 10 in Biloxi, Mississippi and featured UFC veterans Roy Nelson and Alan Belcher in the main event.
Jorge Masvidal hung up the gloves immediately after a unanimous decision loss to Gilbert Burns at UFC 287. Prior to that, the 52-fight veteran dropped a decision to training partner/friend turned bitter rival Colby Covington in the main event of UFC 272.
Jorge Masvidal unsuccessfully challenged for the undisputed welterweight title against Kamaru Usman. The first resulted in a lopsided decision at UFC 251 on less than a week’s notice. Just nine months the Miami native would meet Usman again at UFC 261 but would fall victim to a brutal knockout.
After a long career that included stints in Bellator, Strikeforce, and Sengoku, Masvidal emerged as a star with consecutive finishes of Darren Till, Ben Askren, and Nate Diaz.
Since Masvidal gave no wish list of opponents, date, or venue for this return to action, we compiled a list of four potential suitors to welcome him back to action.
Also Read: UFC 2023 By The Numbers Showcases Best Of Best
Jorge Masvidal vs Mike Perry
“Platinum” Mike Perry has made it very clear he wants to face Jorge Masvidal at BKFC. The former UFC misfit has found a home with the Dave Feldman-ran company and is undoubtedly its biggest star.
As Masvidal originally made a name for himself in the same unsanctioned backyard bare knuckle fights that birthed Kimbo Slice, a bout with Perry would be a symbolic homecoming for “Gamebred.”
Jorge Masvidal vs Nate Diaz 2
Even though their first meeting for the BMF title at UFC 244 wasn’t exactly the most competitive, fans have been clamoring for a rematch between Masvidal and Nate Diaz. Diaz, who last stepped in the Octagon in Sept. of 2022 and has since faced Jake Paul in a boxing match, has teased his own return to the Octagon recently.
While he’s targeting a rematch with now welterweight champion Leon Edwards at the highly anticipated UFC 300, Masvidal would make a lot more sense, maximize star power, and leave the title picture untainted. Alternatively, their shared love of boxing could set the stage for a bout under the rules of the sweet science.
Jorge Masvidal vs Justin Gaethje
Justin Gaethje rightfully has his eyes set on a chance to dethrone lightweight king Islam Makhachev. After claiming his own prop belt with a spectacular head kick KO of Dustin Poirier in July, “The Highlight” has separated himself from the pack at 155 pounds.
However, if the UFC chooses to go in another direction or Makhachev elects to take time off, putting the two BMF champs against one another would be an easy sell. Even though Masvidal hasn’t fought in the lightweight division since 2015, Gaethje should have no trouble with this match up at 170.
Jorge Masvidal vs Conor McGregor
Yes, we know. Conor McGregor just announced that he was finally facing Michael Chandler this summer at middleweight. But even with oddsmakers weighing in and media hype already beginning, it’s hard to take the news seriously considering McGregor’s previous efforts to troll his supposed opponent.
Pairing McGregor with Masvidal at welterweight feels like a more suitable route for both men returning to the cage. Not only would two of the biggest crossover stars in the sport likely lead to bigger payday for each other and the promotion, but it would pay off years of trash talk between them.
Also Read: The Best UFC/MMA Fighters of 2023…Plus the Most Disappointing
