Jorge Masvidal's Last 5 Fights: A Detailed Look

Jorge "Gamebred" Masvidal, a name synonymous with raw talent, unpredictable striking, and a no-nonsense attitude, has carved a unique path in the world of mixed martial arts. His journey, marked by spectacular knockouts and unforgettable moments, has captivated fans worldwide. Let's delve into Masvidal's last five fights, examining the context, the action, and the aftermath of each bout.

1. Jorge Masvidal vs. Gilbert Burns - UFC 287 (April 8, 2023)

At UFC 287, which took place in Miami, Florida, Jorge Masvidal fought Gilbert Burns. The context surrounding this fight was critical for Masvidal's career trajectory. After suffering three consecutive losses, the pressure was mounting on "Gamebred" to prove he still belonged at the top tier of the welterweight division. Burns, a high-level grappler with increasingly dangerous striking, represented a formidable challenge. This fight was not just another match; it was a litmus test for Masvidal's future in the UFC and his aspirations for another title run.

The fight unfolded with Burns imposing his grappling early and often. Masvidal, known for his striking prowess, struggled to keep the fight standing, spending significant time defending takedowns and working from his back. While Masvidal displayed his trademark toughness and resilience, he was largely outmaneuvered by Burns' superior wrestling and ground control. Burns' strategy was clear: neutralize Masvidal's striking threat by taking him down and controlling him on the ground. Masvidal had moments of striking success, particularly in the later rounds, but they were too few and far between to significantly sway the momentum of the fight. The judges' scorecards reflected Burns' dominance, awarding him a unanimous decision victory.

The aftermath of the fight saw Masvidal announce his retirement from MMA, a poignant moment for a fighter who had given so much to the sport. In his post-fight speech, Masvidal expressed gratitude to his fans and acknowledged that he no longer had the same fire to compete at the highest level. While his retirement marked the end of an era, it also cemented his legacy as one of the most exciting and charismatic fighters in MMA history. This fight served as a reminder of the relentless grind of the sport and the physical toll it takes on even the most durable athletes.

2. Jorge Masvidal vs. Colby Covington - UFC 272 (March 5, 2022)

The grudge match between Jorge Masvidal and Colby Covington at UFC 272 was one of the most highly anticipated fights in recent memory. The backstory was rife with personal animosity, stemming from a fractured friendship and training partnership. This intense rivalry added an extra layer of intrigue to the fight, transcending the typical competitive stakes. Both fighters had a lot on the line, not just in terms of their careers, but also their pride and reputations.

The fight itself was a grueling affair, with Covington utilizing his relentless wrestling and pressure to control the majority of the exchanges. Masvidal had his moments, particularly in the striking realm, but Covington's constant takedown attempts and top control made it difficult for him to establish a consistent rhythm. Covington's strategy was clear: grind Masvidal down, wear him out, and exploit his perceived weaknesses on the ground. Masvidal showcased his toughness and defensive skills, but he was ultimately unable to nullify Covington's wrestling-heavy approach. The judges' scorecards reflected Covington's dominance, awarding him a unanimous decision victory.

Following the fight, the rivalry between Masvidal and Covington continued to simmer, with both fighters taking verbal jabs at each other in the media. The fight highlighted the intense personal dynamics that can exist in combat sports, where rivalries often extend beyond the cage. For Masvidal, the loss was a setback in his quest for another title shot, while for Covington, it solidified his position as a top contender in the welterweight division. The event as a whole generated significant buzz and underscored the drawing power of personal rivalries in MMA.

3. Jorge Masvidal vs. Kamaru Usman - UFC 261 (April 24, 2021)

Masvidal stepped in on short notice to face the then-dominant welterweight champion, Kamaru Usman, at UFC 261. This rematch came after their first encounter in 2020, where Masvidal took the fight on just six days' notice. The context was one of high stakes, with Masvidal seeking to avenge his previous loss and capture the coveted welterweight title. Usman, on the other hand, was looking to cement his reign and further establish his dominance over the division.

The fight ended in a devastating second-round knockout victory for Usman. After a competitive first round, Usman landed a perfectly placed right hand that sent Masvidal crashing to the canvas. The knockout was a stunning turn of events, as Masvidal was known for his durability and striking defense. Usman's performance demonstrated his evolution as a striker and his ability to finish fights in decisive fashion. Masvidal, while gracious in defeat, expressed disappointment with the outcome, vowing to learn from the experience and come back stronger.

The aftermath of the fight solidified Usman's status as the undisputed welterweight king. The knockout victory over Masvidal added another highlight to Usman's already impressive resume. For Masvidal, the loss was a setback, but it did little to diminish his popularity and drawing power. The fight served as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of MMA, where a single strike can change the course of a fight and a career.

4. Jorge Masvidal vs. Kamaru Usman - UFC 251 (July 12, 2020)

At UFC 251, Jorge Masvidal stepped in on just six days' notice to challenge Kamaru Usman for the welterweight title. The original challenger, Gilbert Burns, had tested positive for COVID-19, opening the door for Masvidal to seize the opportunity. The context was one of high drama and last-minute adjustments. Masvidal, despite the short preparation time, was eager to compete for the title and prove his worth against the dominant champion.

The fight went the distance, with Usman ultimately winning via unanimous decision. Usman utilized his wrestling and grappling to control the majority of the fight, keeping Masvidal against the cage and on the ground. Masvidal had moments of striking success, but he was largely unable to mount a sustained offensive. Usman's strategy was clear: neutralize Masvidal's striking and exploit his perceived weaknesses in the grappling department. The judges' scorecards reflected Usman's dominance, although some observers felt that Masvidal performed admirably given the circumstances.

Following the fight, there was considerable debate about whether Masvidal would have fared better with a full training camp. Masvidal himself acknowledged the challenges of taking a fight on short notice, but he also expressed confidence in his abilities. For Usman, the victory solidified his position as the welterweight champion, but it also raised questions about his willingness to engage in more exciting and fan-friendly fights. The event as a whole was a commercial success, demonstrating Masvidal's drawing power and the public's appetite for high-stakes title fights.

5. Jorge Masvidal vs. Nate Diaz - UFC 244 (November 2, 2019)

The BMF title fight between Jorge Masvidal and Nate Diaz at UFC 244 was a cultural phenomenon. The context surrounding the fight was unique, as the UFC created a special "Baddest Motherfucker" belt specifically for the occasion. Both Masvidal and Diaz had cultivated reputations as tough, no-nonsense fighters who were always willing to put on a show. The fight was a celebration of their respective brands and a recognition of their contributions to the sport.

The fight was stopped at the end of the third round due to a doctor's stoppage, with Masvidal declared the winner via TKO. Masvidal dominated the fight from the opening bell, landing a series of devastating strikes that opened up cuts on Diaz's face. Diaz, known for his toughness and resilience, absorbed a tremendous amount of punishment, but the ringside doctor deemed him unable to continue. The stoppage was controversial, with some fans and observers feeling that Diaz should have been allowed to continue fighting. However, the doctor's decision was based on concerns for Diaz's health and safety.

In the aftermath of the fight, there were calls for an immediate rematch. Diaz expressed his disappointment with the stoppage and his desire to avenge the loss. Masvidal, while pleased with the victory, also expressed interest in a rematch, recognizing the potential for another lucrative and exciting fight. The event as a whole was a massive success, both financially and in terms of generating buzz and excitement. The BMF title fight captured the imagination of fans and solidified Masvidal's status as a major star in the UFC.

In conclusion, these five fights encapsulate the essence of Jorge Masvidal's career: unpredictability, toughness, and a willingness to take on all comers. Each fight tells a story, not just of victory or defeat, but of the relentless pursuit of excellence in the unforgiving world of mixed martial arts. His legacy as one of the sport's most exciting and charismatic figures remains secure, inspiring fans and fighters alike.