Picture getting to go back in time and lay down the perfect comeback to that argument you lost a few weeks ago, or getting to go and redo that karaoke session that went terribly wrong when you were in college. Last night at UFC 239 a fighter that’s been in the game as long as anyone got to serve the perfect line at the perfect time, on the perfect stage.
As those interested enough on the internet found have found out either last night or this morning Jorge Masvidal was one of the guys that wasn’t Kimbo Slice, but was fighting on those same backyard fight cards. I’ve only caught on to what exactly Masvidal brings to the table in the last 6 months or so. Recently, he smashed up Darren Till – a guy that was supposed to become the next big thing in the Welterweight division. However, they put Till in the ring with Jorge on March 16th in hopes to get him back on the winning track. Till was asleep 3 minutes into the 2nd round.
Jorge Masvidal has never been known as a big talker, or one to looking to drum up views with Instagram live posts or putting on a MAGA hat, or even throwing a dolly into a bus window. Enter stage left, Ben Askren. An undefeated fighter forever known for dominating all of the competition outside of the UFC for years and years. A wacky guy with a fun little afro that looks like he could be your neighbour cutting the grass that swears he can only do the job with his shirt off just to make everyone a little uncomfortable. Askren wears flip flops to every event, and even has a couple of “Boom Roasted” videos he puts out there where he makes fun of everyone.
The fighter also known as “Gamebred” could easily be seen as a journeyman fighter with a record that just might have him ready for the title shot he’s been hunting for years. Behind that 34-13 record is a fighter that simply wants to show up, demonstrate all of the violent skills he’s crafted over thousands of hours in the gym, ring and octagon, collect his check. And be on his way to prepare to do the same thing all over again. He saw Askren’s act and immediately took notice of it.
Masvidal lives by a code. What happens in the gym stays in the gym. If you say a lot of trash talk or disrespect another man even if it just may be to try to sell a few more PPV buys, there can be very very harsh consequences. I raised an eyebrow as he leaned back against the cage with his arms behind his back on Saturday night. I sat up when the bell rang, and could do nothing but put my hand over my mouth as Masvidal rained down punches on the starched out Askren 5 seconds into the 1st round.
Listening to Jorge Masvidal’s post-fight press conference will tell you all that you need to know, about the man that should be your new favourite UFC Fighter.
Flip the page to watch the post-fight press conference.