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Saturday, Jul 11, 2020

Jorge Masvidal Says The UFC “Came Correct” to Make UFC 251 Headliner

Masvidal (photo via UFC / YouTube)

By FCF Staff

It wasn’t long ago that Jorge Masvidal was questioning the UFC’s compensation model and arguing he should be receiving more revenue. But, ‘Gamebred’ says playing hardball with the promotion paid off.

For much of the year, Masvidal was expected to challenge Kamaru Usman next. But, initial talks to make the fight didn’t go well and Masvidal publicly criticized the UFC as a result.

Gibert Burns was booked to fight the welterweight champ at UFC 251 instead. But, after he tested positive for COVID-19, a late deal was reached with Masvidal to save the main event.

While talking with the media recently about the latest round of negotiations, Masvidal cited the benefit of sticking to your “guns” (quotes via MMA Fighting).

“We’re gonna need a lot longer than five minutes for that answer, but I’ll give you a short one,” Masvidal said. “Stick to your guns, don’t let none of these devils and demons hold you down. I’ve been here for a while, it’s taken me a while, but I don’t let know oppressor get the better of me. If they didn’t come to the numbers that I wanted, I would have been right in Miami, Florida, sitting on my couch, eating sushi, playing video games. They came correct and that’s why I’m here. That’s the only thing I can tell young fighters coming up, know your value.

“A lot of the young guys just don’t know their value. It’s not their fault. I didn’t know my value when I was 19, 20 years old. Someone offered me $2,000 I’d kill a gorilla. It’s tough as these kids are coming up, but all I can tell them is know your value and stick to your guns.”

The 35-year-old Masvidal (35-13) hasn’t fought since November, when he recorded a TKO win (via doctor stoppage) over Nate Diaz.

The 33-year-old Usman (16-1) stopped Colby Covington in his last fight, which took place in December.

UFC 251 is taking place on Yas Island in Abu Dhabi.

posted by FCF Staff @ 12:29 am
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