Shakiel Mahjouri for MMA Mania
Jorge Masvidal has a lot of respect for Nate Diaz, but he’ll have even more of it should Diaz make it through five violent rounds.
Jorge Masvidal is carving out a legendary career, and he knows Nate Diaz plays a great role in it all.
Masvidal spoke with media, including MMA Mania, after inviting fans to brawl onstage at the UFC 244 open workouts on Wednesday. Masvidal discussed what role Diaz plays in his lore.
“It definitely has a special place. Not because it’s at MSG, not because of the BMF title,” he said. “It’s just because of the guy I’m fighting. If I was fighting him in a parking lot or in his backyard, it’s the fighter that I have to cross that makes my moment.”
“I’m there to hurt every second of every minute of the round,” he said of the damage he plans on inflicting on Diaz. “If he survives what I give him, my hat’s off to him. But there is a dog here and when this dog gets tired, he bites more. I’m not going to take a step back… Once that cage is locked, I only know one speed.”
Masvidal fights Diaz in the main event of UFC 244 on Saturday, Nov. 2. The winner will be awarded a commemorative BMF belt that will be presented by Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson.