What Now For Jorge Masvidal?

What Now For Jorge Masvidal?

By Calan Donnachie

It looks like a title shot or a fight with Conor McGregor is now out of the question for Jorge “Gamebred” Masvidal, at least for the immediate future.

Masvidal has made headlines following back to back knockout wins over Darren Till, and then an undefeated Ben Askren, who was rendered unconscious in a record breaking 5 seconds. Masvidal then stated that his next fight would either have to be for the belt, or against Conor McGregor.

UFC President Dana White was quick to voice his doubts of a fight between Masvidal and McGregor, as he feels that “Masvidal is too big for him”

Now following the announcement from White that former interim welterweight champion Colby “Chaos” Covington has been given the chance to go head to head with current champ Kamaru Usman for the title after Covington’s dominant win over former champ Robbie Lawler. This obviously means either of Masvidal’s demands are now looking remote at best.

So the question is who will Masvidal face next?

One obvious name is the #4 ranked Leon Edwards, who sits just one spot behind Masvidal in the official UFC welterweight rankings. Edwards has been more than keen to throw down with Masvidal, after the two clashed in a backstage exchange at UFC London earlier this year.

Edwards is currently on an 8-fight win streak, with his last 3 victories being over former champ RDA, Gunnar Nelson and Donald Cerrone. With the history between the two, and the similar ranking positions, a fight with Masvidal and Edwards seems more than likely.

“I’m better than him, I want to smash his face and that’s it” said Edwards

However, there are other options for Masvidal.

One being Masvidal could sit and wait for the winner of Usman vs Covington.

Despite being good friends and both training at American Top Team, Masvidal certainly hasn’t ruled out the possibility of fighting Covington.

Regarding a match against Covington he previously said “I didn’t get into this business to high five with no man.”

Masvidal is currently riding a career high trajectory and whatever his next move is, a title shot appears to be near, if not quite yet.