UFC welterweight contender Jorge ‘Gamebred’ Masvidal has confirmed he is set to return to the octagon in September and will face champion Kamaru Usman in a rematch for the title.
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Masvidal, 36, a fan-favourite among fight fans; best known for his outspoken and no-nonsense nature, has confirmed he is set for a long-awaited welterweight title rematch.
Despite losing via decision to the dominant champion Usman last time out, the pair’s rivalry has only intensified with the Florida-born fighter now set for another crack at gold later this year.
Masvidal confirmed the news that the UFC have finalised the bout whilst commentating on Saturday’s boxing bout between Canelo Alvarez and Avni Yildirim.
After outclassing his Turkish opponent, Canelo saw his hand raised for the 55th time in his career.
Speaking after Saturday’s bout, Masvidal told Boxing Social that not only is he set to face Usman in September, but he also welcomes a future boxing match against Mexico’s Canelo.
“The first thing I said was congrats brother,” Masvidal said (as quoted by Metro). “I’m not going to rain on nobody’s parade, it was a hell of a performance.
“We can definitely cross promote. But I’m here as a fan. I wasn’t here to call out Canelo or anything like that. I’m just a fan of the man, I love what he does, I love boxing, it’s simple.
“Right now, I’m focused on me fighting for the [UFC] belt. In September, we have just got word.
“That’s what I’m worried about. Then we will see, whatever the future holds. I love boxing and boxing gives the big pay cheques.
“What I mean is they pay out for the PPVs we bring in than more than in my current sport so would I love to be in boxing? No brainer, yes.
“When the time comes we will cross that bridge and get the right opponents.”
Do you think Masvidal can get the better of Usman when the pair meet later this year? – Let us know in the comments.