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Jorge Masvidal finds himself in a tough spot after losing two straight title fights to UFC welterweight champion Kamaru Usman.
In April, 'Gamebred' was knocked out by the Nigerian in a highly anticipated rematch at UFC 261. The Miami-native slipped to seventh in the welterweight rankings after his loss to Usman.
At 36 years old, his title window isn't as wide open as it is for other contenders. If he intends to climb back into the title scene, these five fights are Jorge Masvidal's best options:
#5. Jorge Masvidal vs. Winner of Vicente Luque and Michael Chiesa
No.6-ranked Michael Chiesa takes on No.5-ranked Vicente Luque at UFC 265 this August.
It is a fight that has flown under the radar but could have significant implications for the welterweight division.
Michael Chiesa has been on a career resurgence ever since moving to the welterweight division as he is currently running on a four-fight win streak against tough competition.
Vicente Luque, meanwhile, is 3-0 since losing to Stephen 'Wonderboy' Thompson back at UFC 244 in November 2019.
His biggest win was a submission finish against Tyron Woodley in March.
Masvidal already holds a submission victory over Chiesa. However, Chiesa was a much younger fighter in 2013, and a rematch now would not be so easy for 'Gamebred.'
Neither name, however, is big enough to warrant interest from Jorge Masvidal. For 'Gamebred,' this would be a high-risk, low-reward situation. Thus, this is the last option Masvidal should take.
#4. Jorge Masvidal vs. Nate Diaz 2
Nate Diaz called to defend his self-created 'BMF' title against Jorge Masvidal back in August 2019.
In the fight, Masvidal delivered a beating to Nate Diaz for three straight rounds. Going into the fourth, the doctor stopped the fight due to several cuts around Diaz's eye, leading to controversy.
Diaz's historically good cardio kicked in, but we never got to see it, much to the dismay of the Stockton native's fans.
Well, almost two years later, and it may be time to cash in on a rematch opportunity with Nate Diaz. 'The Stockton Slugger' recently boosted his stock, despite losing to Leon Edwards at UFC 263.
A rematch where Jorge Masvidal knocks out Nate Diaz would send shock waves across the UFC world and help 'Gamebred' reclaim his hype.
#3. Jorge Masvidal vs. Loser of Gilbert Burns and Stephen Thompson
As it stands, Gilbert Burns is ranked second, and Stephen Thompson is fourth in the division. The winner of their fight could make a realistic claim for a title shot, while the loser could face Masvidal.
Gilbert Burns vs. Jorge Masvidal would be very interesting stylistically.
Burns presents a problem in the grappling department with his black belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu. 'Durinho' can hold his own on the feet too.
In Thompson's case, he and Masvidal are familiar. The two shared the octagon in 2017. 'Wonderboy' was victorious in a dominant striking display that Jorge Masvidal had difficulty figuring out.
But that was in 2017, when Jorge Masvidal hadn't "figured things out" yet. Now in 2021, both men are still recognized for their elite striking skills, and it would be fun to reignite that rivalry.
#2. Jorge Masvidal vs Leon Edwards
This may be the most logical and realistic option that Jorge Masvidal can choose.
Rumors are surfacing that UFC welterweight champion Kamaru Usman will be taking on No.1-ranked contender Colby Covington later this year.
Leon 'Rocky' Edwards, who is riding a ten-fight unbeaten streak and ranked 3rd in the division, will be without a dance partner during that time.
Jorge Masvidal vs Leon Edwards fixes the issue of inactivity. But it also settles the beef between the two men that started backstage at UFC London in March 2019.
Jorge Masvidal delivered the famed "3-piece and a soda" after Edwards interrupted his interview.
Watch the altercation below:
Both men will benefit from the fight. Edwards gained mainstream exposure with his win against Nate Diaz and needs another big win to get the rub he needs.
Whereas Jorge Masvidal is already that rockstar figure, a win against Edwards would catapult him right back into the title discussion.
#1. Jorge Masvidal vs Colby Covington
In a perfect world, UFC fans would have seen Jorge Masvidal vs. Colby Covington by now.
These two former friends-turned-rivals would sell the promotion of their fight through the roof.
The two former gym teammates have been trading words and insults at each other for two years now.
This fight, from a stylistic point of view, likely favors Covington.
However, they have known each other from years of sparring at the gym. Both claimed to out-work the other; a fight would decide the ultimate bragging rights.
Should negotiations between Colby Covington and Kamaru Usman fall apart, someone like Leon Edwards will take the title shot instead.
No.2-ranked Colby 'Chaos' Covington vs. No.7-ranked Jorge 'Gamebred' Masvidal in a highly volatile build-up sounds perfect from a competition and storytelling angle.
What fights do you think make sense for Jorge Masvidal? Let us know in the comment section!
