Mixed martial arts is filled with many great fighters from a wide variety of disciplines. It’s what makes the sport great. However, the downside is that we often overlook several of these fighters while focusing on a select few.
Jorge Masvidal is one of the overlooked.
To put it bluntly, he is one of the most underappreciated fighters in all of MMA.
Masvidal is a crafty veteran of 38 fights, 39 come Saturday in Korea. He has fought across multiple divisions and has never shied away from a stiff challenge. In fact, he jumped up on short notice to fight Benson Henderson this weekend. He’s a true fighter’s fighter.
“Gamebred” is also not a boring fighter. He is well-rounded and always brings the fight. He isn’t one to back down or point-fight, despite having won three of his last four by decision. That is more a reflection of his opponents and stylistic matchup than the type of fighter he is. When was the last time Masvidal was in a true boring fight? And was it his fault? Not likely.
Masvidal is not ranked in the UFC rankings, but ask any fighter if he is one of the best in the world and I’m sure the answer will be a resounding “yes.” He is a tough out for anyone in the lightweight or welterweight divisions.
From the backyard to the cage, Masvidal has given fight fans what they crave: a never-say-die spirit and consistent action.
When Masvidal steps inside the Octagon on Saturday morning, everyone should tune in. We are often so caught up in the hoopla of the most charismatic fighters that we miss out on true diamonds in the rough like Masvidal. And, to be honest, Masvidal is quite compelling a character himself.
At 31, he may be at his athletic peak, and there is no better time to watch him compete. Given his stature within the industry, he will almost always be in a highly competitive matchup while in the UFC. He’s a great test for any fighter and a threat to jump up in the rankings in either division he competes.
Henderson will have to put together another stellar, lights-out performance to topple Masvidal. Two elite fighters stepping in the cage should be cause enough to tune in, but the fight is flying under the radar. It’s a shame.
Win or lose, Masvidal will put on a show for fans this weekend. You won’t want to miss it, and you could be depriving yourself of one of the better fights remaining in 2015.
Masvidal is a dying breed in MMA. Appreciate him while he’s around.
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