Though Jorge Masvidal was volunteering his services to fill in for the injured Khabib Nurmagomedov against Donald Cerrone at UFC 187, his days fighting as a lightweight appear to be numbered. At least for now.
According to a report on Friday night’s edition of UFC Tonight, Masvidal wanted to face Cerrone at a catchweight. The reason being that “Gamebred” is making the move to welterweight. Masvidal said that he had been waiting to go up to 170 pounds for about four years, stretching back to when Zuffa purchased Strikeforce.
The American Top Team fighter — who was last seen dropping a controversial split decision to Al Iaquinta at UFC Fight Night 63 on April 4 — said he is currently walking around at 193 pounds.
According to Ariel Helwani, Masvidal remained at lightweight for the last few years because he thought it would be better for his career. In his seven fights in the UFC at lightweight, he has gone 5-2 and is currently ranked #15 in the division. Masvidal said that he believes he should be 7-0 at this point, but the controversial decision against Iaquinta — along with a close 2013 decision loss to Rustam Khabilov — has prompted him to try his luck at 170 pounds.