Jorge Masvidal's Last Fights: A Look Back

Hey guys! Let's dive into the career of one of the most exciting fighters to ever grace the octagon: Jorge "Gamebred" Masvidal. Known for his explosive fighting style and no-nonsense attitude, Masvidal has given us some unforgettable moments. In this article, we're going to break down his last few fights, reliving the highs, the lows, and everything in between. So, buckle up and get ready for a trip down memory lane!

A Retrospective on Jorge Masvidal's Career

Before we jump into the specifics of Jorge Masvidal's last fights, it's essential to appreciate the full scope of his career. Masvidal isn't just a fighter; he's a veteran of the game, with a career stretching back to the early 2000s. His journey through various promotions like Strikeforce, Bellator, and finally, the UFC, showcases his resilience and dedication to the sport.

Masvidal's style is a blend of technical striking, street-fighting savvy, and a relentless pace. This unique combination has made him a fan favorite and a dangerous opponent for anyone. His early career was marked by consistent performances, but it was his resurgence in 2019 that truly cemented his legacy. With spectacular knockouts and a newfound swagger, Masvidal became a household name, transcending the sport and entering the realm of pop culture. His "three-piece and a soda" line became iconic, and his BMF title fight against Nate Diaz was one of the most hyped events in UFC history.

Throughout his career, Masvidal has faced a who's who of the welterweight division, battling some of the toughest and most skilled fighters in the world. His willingness to take on any challenge, combined with his exciting fighting style, has earned him the respect of fans and fighters alike. He represents the old-school mentality of fighting, where heart and grit are just as important as technique and strategy.

Jorge Masvidal vs. Kamaru Usman (UFC 261, UFC 251)

The clashes between Jorge Masvidal and Kamaru Usman are pivotal when discussing Masvidal's recent career trajectory. Their rivalry was intense, marked by contrasting styles and a palpable animosity. The first fight at UFC 251 was particularly notable because Masvidal took the fight on just six days' notice, stepping in to replace Gilbert Burns. Despite the short preparation time, Masvidal put on a game performance, going the distance with Usman.

In their first encounter, Usman utilized his wrestling and grappling prowess to control Masvidal against the cage and on the ground. Masvidal, known for his striking, struggled to find his rhythm and keep the fight standing. Usman's relentless pressure and strategic takedowns proved to be the deciding factor, leading to a unanimous decision victory for the champion. While Masvidal showed his toughness and durability, the lack of a full training camp was evident.

The rematch at UFC 261 was highly anticipated, with Masvidal having the benefit of a full training camp this time around. The narrative leading up to the fight was that Masvidal would be better prepared to counter Usman's wrestling and showcase his striking skills. However, the fight ended in devastating fashion. In the second round, Usman landed a perfect right hand that knocked Masvidal out cold. It was a shocking finish, as Masvidal had rarely been finished in such a definitive manner. This victory solidified Usman's dominance in the welterweight division and served as a significant setback for Masvidal.

These fights against Usman highlight both Masvidal's willingness to take on challenges and the evolution of his career. While the results weren't in his favor, they underscored the high level of competition in the UFC and the importance of adapting and evolving as a fighter.

Jorge Masvidal vs. Colby Covington (UFC 272)

The fight between Jorge Masvidal and Colby Covington at UFC 272 was more than just a battle inside the octagon; it was the culmination of a bitter, personal feud. Once teammates and close friends, Masvidal and Covington had a falling out that led to intense animosity and trash talk. This backstory added a significant layer of intrigue to the fight, making it one of the most anticipated matchups of the year.

Covington's wrestling-heavy style was the key to his strategy, as he relentlessly pursued takedowns and controlled Masvidal on the ground. Masvidal, known for his striking, had moments where he threatened with his hands, but Covington's pressure and grappling proved to be too much to handle consistently. The fight went the distance, with Covington winning by unanimous decision. While Masvidal showed flashes of brilliance, he couldn't overcome Covington's wrestling dominance.

The loss to Covington was a tough pill to swallow for Masvidal and his fans. Given the personal nature of the rivalry, the defeat was particularly disappointing. However, it also showcased the challenges that Masvidal faced against wrestlers with strong cardio and relentless pressure. Despite the setback, Masvidal's willingness to face his rivals head-on demonstrated his warrior spirit and commitment to the sport.

Jorge Masvidal vs. Gilbert Burns (UFC 287)

Jorge Masvidal's fight against Gilbert Burns at UFC 287 marked his return to the octagon after a year-long hiatus. The bout was highly anticipated, with fans eager to see if Masvidal could recapture his previous form. However, Burns, a highly skilled grappler and striker, presented a formidable challenge.

From the beginning, Burns implemented a strategy centered on his grappling expertise. He effectively secured takedowns and maintained top control, stifling Masvidal's striking and imposing his will on the ground. Burns's superior grappling skills were evident as he consistently outmaneuvered Masvidal, limiting his offensive opportunities.

Despite Masvidal's efforts to defend and create openings, Burns's relentless pressure and control proved too much to overcome. Burns's grappling dominance persisted throughout the fight, leading to a unanimous decision victory for the Brazilian. Masvidal showcased his resilience and toughness, enduring Burns's attacks and making it to the final bell. However, the fight highlighted the challenges Masvidal faces against opponents with strong grappling skills and the need to adapt his strategy to counter such threats.

Following his loss to Burns at UFC 287, Jorge Masvidal announced his retirement from mixed martial arts, bringing an end to a storied career. With a record of 35 wins and 17 losses, Masvidal leaves behind a legacy of memorable fights, electrifying knockouts, and a lasting impact on the sport. His contributions to MMA will be remembered for years to come.

Conclusion: The Legacy of "Gamebred"

Jorge "Gamebred" Masvidal's last fights, and his entire career, showcase the heart of a true fighter. While the outcomes of his final bouts may not have been what he hoped for, they don't diminish his contributions to the sport. Masvidal's willingness to take on any challenge, his exciting fighting style, and his authentic personality have made him one of the most beloved figures in MMA. He's a reminder that fighting is as much about heart and grit as it is about technique and strategy.

Masvidal's impact extends beyond his in-ring accomplishments. He helped popularize the sport, bringing in new fans with his charisma and no-nonsense attitude. His "BMF" persona resonated with many, and he became a symbol of the old-school fighter who's always ready to throw down. Whether you're a longtime fan or new to the sport, there's no denying the mark that Jorge Masvidal has left on the world of mixed martial arts. Thanks for the memories, Gamebred! We're excited to see what you do next!