Jorge Masvidal is no longer retired.
That means fans can expect “Gamebred” to make his combat sports return at some point in 2024. Former UFC title contender, Chael Sonnen, is hoping to see Masvidal unify the “BMF” belts against Justin Gaethje at the UFC 300 pay-per-view (PPV) event in April.
“The only way you could make up for his retirement or make up for the discrepancy in records is if you spot him the weight and move Gaethje to 170, and you make it for the BMF,” Sonnen said on YouTube (transcribed by MMA News). “The only chance to do that would be UFC 300, and Max (Holloway) currently already has dibs on Gaethje at 300. I don’t think this is going to happen… unless it’s at 300, for the belt, against Gaethje.”
That was a fight Masvidal was calling for back in August.
Longtime MMA media personality Ariel Helwani told his audience on today’s live stream that Masvidal was not in consideration for UFC 300. In fact, a new report making the rounds suggests “Gamebred” will be making his return to the bareknuckle arena against fellow UFC veteran Diego Sanchez.
BKFC is a popular destination for ex-UFC stars, where Sanchez has previously competed, but since Masvidal already owns a bareknuckle promotion, it would make more sense for “Gamebred” to compete under his own banner (and line his own pockets).
Then came the tweet-and-delete from Jake Paul, who has a history of beefing with Masvidal.
“Yeah yeah. Going to box Nate Diaz…whatever,” Paul wrote on Twitter. “Come see me when Dana [White] gives you permission.”
With Masvidal sharing the news that he’s back in the fight game, it’s only a matter of time before he reveals his next opponent. Without knowing the details of his contract status with UFC, it’s uncertain if he would need the promotion’s blessing to compete outside of the Octagon.
Expect an answer in the coming weeks, if not sooner.