Esther Lin, MMA Fighting

The ‘BMF’ champion is not taking “no” for an answer.

At UFC 251 in July, Jorge Masvidal finally got his welterweight title shot. After being the frontrunner for the next crack at Kamaru Usman for half a year, the UFC ultimately gave the fight to Gilbert Burns. However, when Burns was forced out of the bout shortly beforehand, Masvidal stepped in on a week’s notice. It didn’t go well. After a good opening round, Masvidal was dominated by Usman’s wrestling and forced to spend long stretches of the bout pinned up against the cage. It was a clear unanimous decision win for Usman.

After the bout, Masvidal was quick to say that he’d make the necessary adjustments and return, and that a full camp would produce a better performance. And now, nearly a month removed from the loss, Masvidal is beating the drum for another shot at welterweight gold.

“The damage” Masvidal is referring to is a potentially broken nose on Usman. Following the fight, the welterweight champion was issued a potential six-month suspension by the UFC unless Usman cleared a nasal X-ray. Masvidal emerged from the bout unscathed and is clearly ready to get right back in there. From the tenor of his message though, it’s unclear if Masvidal is calling for a rematch with Usman or if “move the division forward” means a bout with someone else while Usman is sidelined due to injury. What is clear though is that Leon Edwards wants it to be him.

Edwards and Masvidal have a beef dating back to UFC London last year when, after both men picked up big wins over Gunnar Nelson and Darren Till respectively, Edwards approached Masvidal backstage and Masvidal hit him with “a three-piece with the soda.” Since then, Edwards has been aggressively lobbying for a bout with Masvidal but “Gamebred” has been occupied with more high profile fights. But with Masvidal ow having had his title shot and lost, Edwards is back to business.

Masvidal has not yet responded to Edwards, however, the fight may ultimately make the most sense. Gilbert Burns is the presumptive number one contender at welterweight currently and, as Edwards pointed out, there are not a lot of other ranked options for Masvidal at the moment. Then again, he can always focus his energy back on cornhole. He certainly seems to enjoy it.

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MUST-READ STORIES

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Many. Michael Chandler knocks out Benson Henderson in rematch at Bellator 244.

Event. Roberto Satoshi, Ayaka Hamasaki rebound with finishes at Rizin 22.

Results. Kai Asakura wins title with first-round soccer-kick KO at Rizin 23.

Plans. Derrick Lewis promises to be even scarier after more weight loss, ready to ‘finish’ Curtis Blaydes next.

UFC? Michael Chandler will make ‘best decision possible’ on Bellator future.

Boxing. Another UFC/Mayweather Promotions co-promotion ‘very possible,’ says Dana White.

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VIDEO STEW

UFC Vegas 6 Post Show.

Bellator highlights.

UFC 252 Timeline.

Countdown UFC 252.

Elias Theodorou still doing Survivorman.

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LISTEN UP

On to the Next One. Discussing matches to make following UFC Vegas 6.

Severe MMA. Discussing DC-Stipe III, Michael Chandler, UFC Vegas 6, and Khabib.

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SOCIAL MEDIA BOUILLABAISSE

Damn.

Taking the loss well.

Seems logical.

Support.

UFC bound?

Working hard.

Beef.

Feeling good.

Get it? Because he dyed his hair pink, so he’s a girl. Borrachinha with the rapier wit.

Gilbert Burns as the Hulk.

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FIGHT ANNOUNCEMENTS

Robbie Lawler (28-14) vs. Neil Magny (23-7); UFC Fight Night, Aug. 29.

Valentina Shevchenko (19-3) vs. Jennifer Maia (18-6-1); UFC 255, Nov. 21.

Deiveson Figuieredo (19-1) vs. Cody Garbrandt (12-3); UFC 255, Nov. 21.

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FINAL THOUGHTS

Thanks for reading and see y’all tomorrow.

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EXIT POLL

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