Jorge Masvidal’s Return to the Octagon
After a brief stint in boxing, Jorge Masvidal will make his MMA comeback in 2025.
The former BMF champion left the UFC following a decision loss to Gilbert Burns in 2023. Following the loss, ‘Gamebred’ retired inside the Octagon after a ten year stint with the company.
Jorge Masvidal had an ascension unusual to most, with the American Top Team product going 9-6 in the UFC before achieving stardom late in his career.
Now he plans on returning to the sport after a 2 year break from MMA.
Return Date Set for April 2025
Speaking recently on the Fight Back podcast with Jake Shields, he both confirmed his UFC return whilst also telling fans the planned date and card location.
He said: “I’ll be back in April next year in the UFC, we don’t have the opponent yet, hopefully by December we’ve got the opponent and April, Miami card.”
The Floridian has hinted at a comeback for the past few months, but until now it was unknown how much truth was involved.
At 40 years old, it is unknown whether Masvidal plans on taking on top contenders or older UFC legends.
Although he competed at the height of his division in his last UFC run, he found little success against welterweight elites.
BMF Belt and History With Nate Diaz
Masvidal earned his shot at the inaugural BMF title with back to back knockouts against Darren Till and Ben Askren.
The Askren flying-knee knockout being the fastest in UFC history at a mere five seconds.
These prolific knockouts where enough to garner him worldwide fandom as well as the attention of Nate Diaz.
Following his win at UFC 241, Diaz called out Masvidal. Asking for a fight that would decide the “baddest mother f***er” in the UFC.
Consequently, the BMF belt was created and a fight between Masvidal/Diaz was booked.
When the two the threw leather at UFC 244, Masvidal emerged victorious.
The entertaining clash ended prematurely when a cut above Diaz’ eye forced a doctor’s stoppage, meaning that Masvidal was crowned the BMF champion.
The pair recently rematched inside the boxing ring, in an event promoted by Real Fight Inc and Gamebred Boxing. Promotional companies ran by Diaz and Masvidal respectively.
Despite being a 2/1 underdog, Diaz won the boxing bout by majority decision, edging the Floridian on the scorecards.
With Diaz also open to an MMA comeback, there is an option for the pair to settle the score inside the Octagon.
Featured image credits to Embed from Getty Images
