Jorge Masvidal desires rapid rematch with Kamaru Usman

Jorge Masvidal stated Tuesday that he would like an quick rematch with UFC welterweight champ Kamaru Usman, even if it would necessarily mean passing on a prospective bout with Conor McGregor, which Dana White explained could be the most significant battle in UFC historical past.

Usman received a unanimous determination about Masvidal early Sunday early morning on “Battle Island” in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

“I want that damn belt, and I’m stubborn,” Masvidal advised ESPN’s Ariel Helwani. “And I know I’m superior than Usman, and I want to prove it. I want to struggle once again.

“I’m not heading to choose absolutely nothing from him he gained the initially a person. Let’s do it all over again.”

Masvidal was respectful in generating absolutely sure Usman been given the proper credit history, irrespective of Masvidal using the battle on limited notice. Masvidal and the UFC agreed to a new agreement July 4, specifically 1 week before UFC 251, and the lack of a appropriate struggle camp appeared to engage in a purpose in Masvidal’s conditioning as he appeared gassed just after he turned in a stable initial spherical. But Usman is 12- in the UFC and one of the finest fighters on the earth, so even a comprehensive camp for Masvidal may possibly not have transformed the final result.

Nonetheless, Masvidal wishes the chance to discover out, and he said that as very long as Usman is the opponent, he’d like to struggle once again this yr.

Masvidal originally was qualified for UFC 251, but negotiations with the UFC fell apart and Gilbert Burns was tabbed on June 9 as the new challenger. But Burns examined constructive for COVID-19 on July 3, prompting a new spherical of negotiations between Masvidal and the UFC.

“You can explain to me that McGregor ideal now would make X, Y, Z bucks, the biggest pay-per-see you get in record, appropriate, and I’m going to get paid out forever,” Masvidal explained. “I sense I am finding compensated nicely enough now that if I retain generating the correct conclusions I’ve been executing, this funds is eternally money. So it is not about dollars.”

Masvidal’s inconceivable story involved a breakout year in 2019, when he scored 3 knockouts to grow to be a star in his 16th yr in MMA. He needed to income in on the momentum with his largest-funds fight, but now his priorities evidently have modified.

“We are going to talk to [the UFC],” Masvidal said. “I am guaranteed Usman would be onboard, mainly because this is the most funds he’s built.

“So if he desires to make that massive-boy money once more, gotta operate it back again, arrive on, let’s go. So in small business that can make perception. I do not know what his management is considering or what he is thinking, but obviously that is what I want to do.”

Usman’s manager, Ali Abdelaziz, who also represents Burns, has been adamant that Burns justifies the future title shot. Leon Edwards, who has won eight in a row, also wants his shot.

“I am not likely to be judging anybody,” Masvidal explained. “Is Gilbert superior? Of course. Is Leon superior? Certainly. These guys are excellent, but I am likely to vote for myself. I want to battle Usman upcoming.”

Quickly soon after UFC 251, while nonetheless in the Octagon, Masvidal and Usman shared some words of regard. Masvidal seemed to say he would be back again right after a gain or two. But, apparently, that timeline has modified.