https://www.scmp.com/rss/502635/feed The 'BMF' belt is a title created by the UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship) for the UFC 244 main event fight between Nate Diaz and Jorge Masvidal. The title refers to being the "baddest [expletive] in the game". en https://assets.i-scmp.com/static/img/icons/scmp-meta-1200x630.png https://www.scmp.com Jorge Masvidal has thrown some serious shade at Kamaru Usman after the welterweight champion dispatched challenger Gilbert Burns at UFC 258 over the weekend with a third round TKO. “Nigerian Nightmare” Usman (18-1), who is 13-0 in the UFC, passed former champion Georges St-Pierre for the most consecutive wins in the welterweight division, and said he would be open to a fight with the Canadian. The 33-year-old Usman then mentioned Jorge “Gamebred” Masvidal (35-14) in his post fight interview,... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3121773/ufc-jorge-masvidal-throws-shade-champion?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3121773/ufc-jorge-masvidal-throws-shade-champion?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 15 Feb 2021 13:00:07 +0000 In early 2020 UFC lightweight fighter Jorge “Gamebred” Masvidal sat down with American author and entrepreneur Grant Cardone for an interview. Masvidal, never one to shy away from a camera or microphone, threw out lots of hypotheticals, predictions and conclusions in his typical braggadocious style. One of his offerings was the Cuban-American has already thought about his life after the UFC, which now includes a decision loss to Kamaru Usman at UFC 251 over the weekend on Fight Island, his 49th... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3093230/ufc-jorge-masvidal-loses-kamaru-usman-wins?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3093230/ufc-jorge-masvidal-loses-kamaru-usman-wins?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 16 Jul 2020 06:19:27 +0000 Dana White had said interest in UFC 251 was trending something close to Conor McGregor vs Khabib Nurmgaomedov, and the reported figures show it was the company’s biggest show since that infamous October 2018 fight. The Athletic reported that Sunday’s stacked Fight Island card, headlined by UFC welterweight champ Kamaru Usman vs Jorge Masvidal, did 1.3 million pay-per-view buys. Usman largely dominated fan favourite Masvidal en route to a unanimous decision. “The overwhelming amount of support I... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3093073/jorge-masvidal-reacts-huge-ufc-251-pay-view?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3093073/jorge-masvidal-reacts-huge-ufc-251-pay-view?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 14 Jul 2020 05:15:43 +0000 Jorge Masvidal may have made it look easy. But his UFC 251 weight cut was no joke. “Twenty pounds in six days,” Masvidal told reporters after Friday’s official weigh-ins in Abu Dhabi. “That’s all I’m gonna say. It was rough. But I did it. I get s*** done.” “Gamebred” (35-13) slid in on short notice to save Sunday’s Fight Island main event against Kamaru Usman (16-1), after Gilbert Burns tested positive for coronavirus. He left Las Vegas for the UAE on Monday after passing preflight Covid-19... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3092774/ufc-251-jorge-masvidal-hurting-after-cutting?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3092774/ufc-251-jorge-masvidal-hurting-after-cutting?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 11 Jul 2020 06:35:43 +0000 Let’s get one thing straight right off the bat: Jorge Masvidal has got some stones for stepping into the UFC 251 main event on Fight Island on July 11. The 35-year-old “Gamebred” BMF belt-holder jumped in with less than a week to go after Gilbert Burns tested positive for Covid-19, and Masvidal now finds himself with a legitimate opportunity: a chance at the welterweight title against Kamaru “The Nigerian Nightmare” Usman. Problem is, this is most likely where Masvidal’s dream at finally holding... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3092101/ufc-251-jorges-masvidals-title-shot-against?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3092101/ufc-251-jorges-masvidals-title-shot-against?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 07 Jul 2020 12:00:15 +0000 Well, it looks like Jorge Masvidal will be heading to Fight Island after all. The UFC 251 main event for July 11 was scrapped on Friday night when Gilbert Burns and his two cornermen tested positive for Covid-19 in Las Vegas, just hours ahead of getting on a charter flight to Abu Dhabi. UFC welterweight champion Usman (16-1), who trains with Brazilian Burns (19-3) at Sanford MMA in Florida – where coronavirus cases have skyrocketed – did not board the flight either. But the UFC quickly threw a... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3091868/jorge-masvidal-will-fight-kamaru-usman-ufc?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3091868/jorge-masvidal-will-fight-kamaru-usman-ufc?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 05 Jul 2020 05:52:38 +0000 Jorge Masvidal has blamed negotiations falling apart with Kamaru Usman on the UFC welterweight champion’s “absurd” financial demands. “Gamebred” is moving back towards a rematch with Nate Diaz, whom he beat by TKO on a doctor stoppage after the third round of their UFC 244 main event in Madison Square Garden last November. UFC president Dana White had been lining up Masvidal as Usman’s next challenger for July, but the “BMF” champion is happy to run it back with Diaz and then challenge “The... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3086480/ufc-jorge-masvidal-moving-nate-diaz-because?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3086480/ufc-jorge-masvidal-moving-nate-diaz-because?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 28 May 2020 06:50:24 +0000 Jorge Masvidal and Nate Diaz appear to have reignited their “BMF” feud from last year, fuelling rumours of a rematch. Masvidal (35-13), who beat Diaz via third-round doctor’s stoppage to win the UFC’s one-off ‘BMF’ title at UFC 244 last November, was originally touted to fight welterweight champion Kamaru Usman. The promotion’s president Dana White later said he had “something interesting” in store for the Cuban-American. After Diaz (20-12) tweeted out that he was in fact “[pound for pound]... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3085939/ufc-jorge-masvidal-and-nate-diaz-reignite-bmf?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3085939/ufc-jorge-masvidal-and-nate-diaz-reignite-bmf?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 25 May 2020 08:29:11 +0000 Jorge Masvidal says he would “hurry” to drop down to fight UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov if he is “rewarded handsomely” for it. Fighter of the year Masvidal (35-13) is on a three-fight win streak having beaten Darren Till, Ben Askren and Nate Diaz in the 170-pound welterweight division last year. Khabib, meanwhile, is waiting for president Dana White to announce a replacement location for his 155-pound title defence against Tony Ferguson in April. “The moolah’s gonna talk, man,”... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3076466/ufc-jorge-masvidal-would-hurry-fight-khabib?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3076466/ufc-jorge-masvidal-would-hurry-fight-khabib?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 23 Mar 2020 12:00:16 +0000 Kamaru Usman may be the UFC welterweight champion, but Jorge Masvidal has no doubt as to who the drawing power of their proposed July showdown will be. “Usman, we’re working on it,” Masvidal told Submission Radio in Australia. “We’ve gotta get the number from the UFC. They’re a very smart company and they gotta pay us if they want that type of entertainment.” Asked if he was the “A-side” of the fight, despite Usman being the champion, Masvidal said: “I’m the alpha, I’m the omega. If ‘A’ stands... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3050785/ufc-jorge-masvidal-says-hes-side-fight-phoney?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3050785/ufc-jorge-masvidal-says-hes-side-fight-phoney?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 15 Feb 2020 05:43:13 +0000 Jorge Masvidal may be one of the most feared strikers in MMA with the consensus of best boxing pedigree inside the UFC Octagon – but welterweight champion Kamaru Usman isn’t impressed. “Gamebred” is set to challenge Usman in July with the fight all but officially confirmed, though “The Nigerian Nightmare” thinks Masvidal will have to step up his efforts from his UFC 244 win against Nate Diaz. “Let’s weigh it out right now: me standing with Masvidal or me standing with Tyron Woodley, which one is... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3050219/ufc-kamaru-usman-ridicules-jorge-masvidals?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3050219/ufc-kamaru-usman-ridicules-jorge-masvidals?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 12 Feb 2020 06:36:21 +0000 If you thought Colby Covington might have been humbled by his defeat to UFC welterweight champion Kamaru Usman, think again. “Chaos” finally broke his silence following December’s UFC 245 main event, claiming earlier this week that he did not in fact break his jaw in the fight. He demanded a rematch with Usman and also took aim at referee Marc Goddard – and, bizarrely, American rapper 50 Cent. If that wasn’t enough, Covington has now also denied he has left the American Top Team [ATT] gym, after... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3049646/ufc-colby-covington-says-hes-jorge-masvidals?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3049646/ufc-colby-covington-says-hes-jorge-masvidals?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 08 Feb 2020 08:47:38 +0000 Halfway through Dana White’s UFC 246 press conference last weekend, he laid it out in typical Dana White fashion. A reporter had been grilling him on who should step in if Khabib Nurmagomedov or Tony Ferguson drops out of UFC 249 on April 19 – Conor McGregor or Justin Gaethje? The question stemmed from who would be best suited to fight McGregor next and which would draw the most attention. White then pointed to a guy working a camera at the press conference at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas and... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3046990/ufc-dana-white-needs-hit-pause-khabib-vs?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3046990/ufc-dana-white-needs-hit-pause-khabib-vs?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 22 Jan 2020 03:00:13 +0000 Despite Jorge Masvidal saying he’s “moving on” from Conor McGregor, Kamaru Usman isn’t buying it. “Gamebred” and UFC welterweight champion Usman were both sitting cageside at UFC 246 to watch McGregor TKO Donald Cerrone in 40 seconds, seemingly ready for the Irishman to call them out. Former featherweight and lightweight champion McGregor didn’t single any future opponents out in his post-fight promo in the Octagon, though. And Masvidal got the impression McGregor doesn’t want to fight him – but... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3047048/ufc-kamaru-usman-says-bum-jorge-masvidal?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3047048/ufc-kamaru-usman-says-bum-jorge-masvidal?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 21 Jan 2020 12:00:39 +0000 Jorge Masvidal thinks a fight with Conor McGregor has been put on ice for now, but he’s confident he’s got a “formula to eliminate him”. “Gamebred” watched the Irishman’s 40-second destruction of Donald “Cowboy” Cerrone up close from cageside at UFC 246 last weekend in Las Vegas, and said he picked up a few vital details. “I always just like to be a fly on the wall when certain competitors are fighting,” Masvidal told Ariel Helwani’s MMA Show. “I showed up to the Nate [Diaz vs Anthony Pettis]... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3046992/jorge-masvidal-says-he-has-formula-eliminate?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3046992/jorge-masvidal-says-he-has-formula-eliminate?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 21 Jan 2020 07:13:21 +0000 Jorge Masvidal appears to be moving on from Conor McGregor … for now. “Gamebred” was cageside at UFC 246 to watch the former featherweight and lightweight champion demolish Donald Cerrone in 40 seconds at 170 pounds. He was hoping to goad McGregor into calling him out, but “The Notorious” simply said “all these mouthy fools can get it” – which Masvidal took as a sign that he isn’t interested, leaving him to focus on welterweight champ Kamaru Usman. “All I know is that he don’t want the fight, so... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3046982/ufc-jorge-masvidal-moving-conor-mcgregor?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3046982/ufc-jorge-masvidal-moving-conor-mcgregor?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 21 Jan 2020 06:28:32 +0000 UFC welterweight star Jorge Masvidal was crowned the promotion’s ‘baddest motherf*****’ last year – but his physical prowess and carefree attitude is not limited to the Octagon, according to former UFC fighter and now MMA pundit Chael Sonnen. Sonnen, who said he heard the story from fellow retired fighter Michael Bisping and later corroborated the story with the “Gamebred” Masvidal himself, recounted an outrageous story of the Cuban-American knocking three people out at a bar in the past. “Now... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3046854/ufc-chael-sonnen-tells-insane-story-jorge?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3046854/ufc-chael-sonnen-tells-insane-story-jorge?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 20 Jan 2020 11:00:20 +0000 Nate Diaz appeared to criticise Conor McGregor in a series of cryptic tweets on Saturday night, after “The Notorious” flattened Donald Cerrone in just 40 seconds. “Weak as f***,” tweeted Diaz. “This s*** is all fake.” McGregor’s return at UFC 246 was decisive, to say the least. And he seemed more than open to a long-awaited trilogy bout with Diaz, after splitting one win apiece at 170 pounds in 2016. “Nate has his own little thing, it’s a mad scene,” McGregor said, commenting on Diaz’s tweets,... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3046741/conor-mcgregor-responds-nate-diazs-ufc-246?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3046741/conor-mcgregor-responds-nate-diazs-ufc-246?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 19 Jan 2020 11:21:52 +0000 Danaa White famously said last year that Jorge Masvidal is “too big” for Conor McGregor when talk of making a fight between them came out. The UFC president also said this week he felt Donald “Cowboy” Cerrone was too big for McGregor, and he doesn’t like the former featherweight and lightweight champion at 170 pounds at all. But he has totally changed his tune now, though, after seeing the Irishman flatten Cerrone in just 40 seconds at the T-Mobile Arena. “I was blown away,” White said at the... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3046736/ufc-246-dana-white-takes-back-conor-mcgregor?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3046736/ufc-246-dana-white-takes-back-conor-mcgregor?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 19 Jan 2020 10:49:50 +0000 Who Conor McGregor was going to call out next was on most people’s minds just as much as whether he would win his fight against Donald Cerrone. After steamrollering “Cowboy” in 40 seconds, the Irishman duly called out “fools” Kamaru Usman – the welterweight champion – and Jorge Masvidal, the No 1 contender to the 170-pounds title. Both were sitting cageside for the fight, Masvidal wearing a Versace robe similar to the outfit McGregor wore at the UFC Performance Institute workouts ahead of his... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3046729/conor-mcgregor-says-weird-jorge-masvidal-blew?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3046729/conor-mcgregor-says-weird-jorge-masvidal-blew?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 19 Jan 2020 09:36:23 +0000 There seemed to be a consensus among pundits and analysts heading into UFC 246’s headline event: Conor “The Notorious” McGregor was a slight favourite to win, but the longer the fight went on and flirted its way into the championship rounds, the more it would favour underdog Donald “Cowboy” Cerrone. Apparently McGregor was listening as he made sure that never happened at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. When it comes to the actual fight, there isn’t much actual analysis one can draw from what ended... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3046713/ufc-246-conor-mcgregor-smashes-donald?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3046713/ufc-246-conor-mcgregor-smashes-donald?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 19 Jan 2020 06:04:43 +0000 You would think Jorge Masvidal has enough big fights on his plate, what with Conor McGregor and Kamaru Usman making so much noise. But he’s thrown another huge name into the mix. Asked by Australia’s Submission Radio about whether he would be interested in a potential super fight with retired former UFC welterweight and middleweight champion Georges St-Pierre, Masvidal was open to the idea. “They’ve said this about me, that I resurrect fighters. And then I retire them again. So I wouldn’t mind... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3045356/ufc-jorge-masvidal-open-georges-st-pierre?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3045356/ufc-jorge-masvidal-open-georges-st-pierre?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 09 Jan 2020 07:42:11 +0000 Conor McGregor certainly ruffled Kamaru Usman’s feathers when he suggested he might come after the UFC welterweight title. Now Jorge Masvidal has piped up. Former featherweight and lightweight champion McGregor will fight at 170 pounds for just the third time in his career when he returns to the Octagon against Donald Cerrone on January 18 in Las Vegas. The Irishman has a win and a loss against Nate Diaz in the division, with both fights taking place in 2016. And Masvidal – considered the No 1... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3045309/ufc-jorge-masvidal-warns-conor-mcgregor-you?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3045309/ufc-jorge-masvidal-warns-conor-mcgregor-you?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 09 Jan 2020 04:25:01 +0000 Conor McGregor has said he’s “open to it all at 170”. But UFC welterweight champion Kamaru Usman has sent him another warning to stay away. The Irishman, a former UFC featherweight and lightweight champion, returns to the Octagon on January 18 to fight Donald “Cowboy” Cerrone at 170 pounds. McGregor has talked up the possibility of a mega-money fight with “BMF” champion Jorge Masvidal but also “likes the look” of a title tilt against Usman. “The Nigerian Nightmare” doesn’t think that’s a smart... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3045119/ufc-kamaru-usman-says-hed-retire-conor?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3045119/ufc-kamaru-usman-says-hed-retire-conor?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 08 Jan 2020 03:25:13 +0000 Colby Covington has understandably been keeping a low profile since his fifth-round TKO by welterweight champion Kamaru Usman at UFC 245 last month. The usually outspoken and controversial Covington has barely opened his mouth – maybe something to do with having to get his broken jaw wired shut – and it seems he’s not been seen at the American Top Team (ATT) gym in Florida either. But that might have more to do with him trash talking his ATT teammates and former friends Jorge Masvidal and Dustin... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3045010/ufc-jorge-masvidal-jokes-colby-covington?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3045010/ufc-jorge-masvidal-jokes-colby-covington?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 07 Jan 2020 08:46:02 +0000 Conor McGregor is an overwhelming favourite with the bookmakers’ for his fight against Donald Cerrone at UFC 246 on January 18, which is fair given his status as a two-time division champion. But Jorge Masvidal sees some ways that “Cowboy” can spoil McGregor’s comeback. The Irishman has not fought since an October 2018 submission defeat by lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov, but is returning at 170 pounds – the division Masvidal has been ploughing his way through to become the No 1... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3045004/jorge-masvidal-gives-his-conor-mcgregor-vs?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3045004/jorge-masvidal-gives-his-conor-mcgregor-vs?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 07 Jan 2020 08:02:51 +0000 Jorge Masvidal was many people’s pick for 2019 fighter of the year, after three spectacular stoppages, and the landscape for 2020 looks just as exciting for him with plenty of options. There’s a title fight with Kamaru Usman on the table, and a big-money bout with Conor McGregor a strong possibility, with the Irishman returning next weekend to the UFC Octagon at 170 pounds. “If it’s my doing, up to me, everybody’s getting it, especially that owl dude. I’m going owl hunting,” Masvidal told Ariel... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3044967/ufc-jorge-masvidal-warns-conor-mcgregor-dont?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3044967/ufc-jorge-masvidal-warns-conor-mcgregor-dont?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 07 Jan 2020 05:34:27 +0000 As Conor McGregor prepares for his comeback fight against Donald “Cowboy” Cerrone, it’s safe to assume this isn’t exactly the fight everyone was waiting for when it comes to “The Notorious”. Cerrone feels like a place holder, a prequel, a warm-up, as McGregor could then go a number of ways (if he wins), most probably towards Jorge Masvidal and his ‘BMF’ belt or a title shot against Khabib Nurmagomedov or Tony Ferguson for the UFC lightweight crown. With visions of “what if” fights in mind, let’s... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3044835/bruce-lee-vs-conor-mcgregor-imagining-mma?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3044835/bruce-lee-vs-conor-mcgregor-imagining-mma?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 06 Jan 2020 09:21:14 +0000 It’s easy to assume that Conor McGregor only has his eyes on a mega-money showdown with Jorge Masvidal if he sticks around at welterweight. The former featherweight and lightweight champion faces Donald “Cowboy” Cerrone on January 18 at 170 pounds. But there are a few other big fights he has his eye on in the division. “I’d face Jorge,” McGregor told The Mac Life. “I’m not going to 170 just for Jorge. He hasn’t really got anything. I wasn’t that happy with how that bad [expletive] thing... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3044670/ufc-conor-mcgregor-open-it-all-170-not-just?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3044670/ufc-conor-mcgregor-open-it-all-170-not-just?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 04 Jan 2020 07:45:35 +0000 Henry Cejudo and Jorge Masvidal have been quarrelling over who deserves to be crowned fighter of the year after the pair’s outstanding performances in 2019. The 32-year-old Cejudo (professional record 15-2), who calls himself “Triple C” because he is a two-weight UFC division champion and an Olympic gold medallist, defeated bantamweight contenders TJ Dillashaw and Marlon Moraes in what is considered the American’s breakout year in MMA. “Take [a] good look at this man, because in a few days I’ll... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3044474/ufc-jorge-masvidal-and-henry-cejudo-feud-over?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3044474/ufc-jorge-masvidal-and-henry-cejudo-feud-over?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 03 Jan 2020 06:23:39 +0000 Jorge Masvidal and Nick Diaz are both down to fight each other. But Dana White doesn’t think it’s going to happen. Diaz said he wanted to avenge his brother Nate Diaz’s loss to Masvidal for the “BMF” belt in their UFC 244 main event, and “Gamebred” agreed as long as “Nick gets his stuff straightened out”. Diaz hasn’t fought since 2015, when he received a five-year ban and US$165,000 fine from Usada for a second failed marijuana test. The sentence and fine were reduced to 18 months and... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3044428/ufc-nick-diaz-doesnt-have-love-or-passion?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3044428/ufc-nick-diaz-doesnt-have-love-or-passion?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 03 Jan 2020 03:09:45 +0000 Former UFC interim lightweight champion Dustin Poirier reignited his conflict with Nate Diaz by calling the fan favourite out in three weight divisions. “The Diamond” (professional record 25-6, 1 no contest) has not fought since his third-round loss to incumbent champion Khabib Nurmagomedov in September but has already got Diaz (20-12) in his cross hairs. “I’ll fight him at 155, 170 or 185 [pounds],” Poirier tweeted in response to a fan question about interesting matchups for his next fight. The... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3044086/ufc-dustin-poirier-calls-out-nate-diaz-three?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3044086/ufc-dustin-poirier-calls-out-nate-diaz-three?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 31 Dec 2019 07:26:41 +0000 Dana White once said the “BMF” belt was a “one and done”, but it seems the UFC president may be warming to the idea of Jorge Masvidal making a title defence. “Gamebred” beat Nate Diaz in the main event of UFC 244 in November to be crowned the “baddest [expletive] in the game” – though Conor McGregor now wants to claim that title, according to White. “Conor wants that belt from Masvidal,” White told ESPN. “I did it as a one off and like I said, it was fun. It was awesome. We’ll see what... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3044062/ufc-conor-mcgregor-wants-jorge-masvidals-bmf?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3044062/ufc-conor-mcgregor-wants-jorge-masvidals-bmf?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 31 Dec 2019 06:10:08 +0000 Mixed martial arts (MMA) has emerged as one of the Post's most popular topics of the year as the sport continues to flirt with mainstream culture around the world. From Wing Chun masters being knocked out by professional MMA fighters; to Hollywood star Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson picking Nate Diaz over Jorge Masvidal for the “BMF” belt; to One Championship's Sage Northcutt blasting the UFC's Dana White for telling him to retire, it has been yet another roller-coaster year in the fight game – and... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3042607/top-10-most-popular-mma-stories-year-2019?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3042607/top-10-most-popular-mma-stories-year-2019?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 28 Dec 2019 07:00:13 +0000 Kamaru Usman may want to think twice the next time he tries to pretend he doesn’t know who Jorge Masvidal is. The UFC welterweight champion twice responded “who?” when asked whether he wanted to fight “Gamebred” next after successfully defending his title against Colby Covington at UFC 245, once in the post-event press conference and another on the ESPN+ post show. It’s certainly a pretty hard sell, given Masvidal’s rise to superstardom in the UFC this year. He’s had highlight reel knockouts of... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3043663/ufc-jorge-masvidal-shuts-down-kamaru-usman?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3043663/ufc-jorge-masvidal-shuts-down-kamaru-usman?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 27 Dec 2019 07:31:19 +0000 Jorge Masvidal is still willing to fight Nick Diaz – but he says he won’t wait around for anybody. Diaz called out Masvidal after “Gamebred” beat his brother Nate Diaz for the “BMF” title belt in the main event of UFC 244 at Madison Square Garden. “Don’t talk about baptising my younger brother,” Nick said in an interview with ESPN’s Ariel Helwani last month, calling for a 2020 fight at AT&T Stadium, home of the NFL’s Dallas Cowboys, in Arlington, Texas, “I’m here to fight, my time is limited,”... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3043442/jorge-masvidal-willing-fight-nick-diaz-if-he?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3043442/jorge-masvidal-willing-fight-nick-diaz-if-he?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 24 Dec 2019 11:14:11 +0000 Jorge Masvidal famously threatened to slap Ben Askren if he saw him at Whole Foods. But it seems “Gamebred” may be ready to bury the hatchet. It took just five seconds for Masvidal to knock Askren out with a flying knee in July, ending the former Bellator and One Championship title-holder’s unbeaten record. Askren has since retired from MMA for a second time, on the back of a third-round submission loss to Demian Maia in October, citing a need for hip surgery. “Nah, we never met at Whole Foods... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3043435/ufc-jorge-masvidal-all-right-ben-askren-now?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3043435/ufc-jorge-masvidal-all-right-ben-askren-now?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 24 Dec 2019 10:38:44 +0000 Jorge Masvidal certainly knows a “BMF” when he sees one, and he’s given Conor McGregor his dues. “Gamebred”, who beat Nate Diaz for the title of “baddest [expletive] in the game” and the “BMF” belt to go with it at UFC 244, is looking for a big money fight against McGregor in 2020. Having originally mocked McGregor and said he was “too much man for him” when the idea of a fight was raised earlier this year, Masvidal is now praising “The Notorious” for his achievements in the Octagon. “I want to... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3043083/ufc-jorge-masvidal-recognises-conor-mcgregor?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3043083/ufc-jorge-masvidal-recognises-conor-mcgregor?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 21 Dec 2019 08:17:07 +0000 Considering it was for the title of “baddest {expletive} in the game”, the build-up to Nate Diaz vs Jorge Masvidal at UFC 244 was surprisingly good natured. But things could be a little spicier if Diaz gets a rematch for Masvidal’s “BMF” belt. “Gamebred” ripped into Diaz, saying some of his comments since their Madison Square Garden main event “don’t sit well” with him. “He knows what he’s doing, he’s trying to bait me in for a rematch,” Masvidal told FanSided’s Mark Carman. “There’s no need for... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3042972/ufc-jorge-masvidal-rips-nate-diaz-comments?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3042972/ufc-jorge-masvidal-rips-nate-diaz-comments?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 20 Dec 2019 07:46:27 +0000 Jorge Masvidal has been throwing out Conor McGregor’s name for a potential big payday. But don’t think he’s forgetting about Kamaru Usman. UFC president Dana White seems keen to match welterweight champion Usman up with Masvidal next, despite Masvidal also talking of a money-spinning boxing crossover with Floyd Mayweather or Canelo Alvarez. Now the “BMF” champion has revealed he’s down to chase the 170-pounds belt next year too. “When I fight Usman I’m gonna break his face. I’ll say it right now... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3042945/jorge-masvidal-says-hell-take-kamaru-usman?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3042945/jorge-masvidal-says-hell-take-kamaru-usman?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 20 Dec 2019 06:09:45 +0000 With eight straight victories in the rear-view mirror, England’s Leon Edwards has earned a high-profile fight. Unfortunately, the soft-spoken Briton is having a difficult time finding a suitable dance partner. He’s recently been campaigning for a fight with former UFC welterweight champion Tyron Woodley, ideally when the organisation returns to London, England, on March 21. Woodley was quick to object to the location of this proposed bout, arguing that as a decorated former champion, he... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3042261/ufc-245-leon-edwards-warns-kamaru-usman-jorge?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3042261/ufc-245-leon-edwards-warns-kamaru-usman-jorge?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 16 Dec 2019 06:39:01 +0000 Despite Colby Covington’s devastating TKO loss to Kamaru Usman at UFC 245, it looks like his feud with former friend and training partner Jorge Masvidal is only just heating up. Masvidal opened fire on Covington with a barrage of insults on social media after “Chaos” claimed he was “robbed” by Marc Goddard. The referee stopped the fight with 50 seconds left, as Usman rained down blows on a grounded Covington, who had been dropped twice in the fifth round and had suffered a broken jaw in the... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3042216/ufc-245-jorge-masvidal-mocks-colby-covington?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3042216/ufc-245-jorge-masvidal-mocks-colby-covington?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 16 Dec 2019 02:51:48 +0000 UFC president Dana White appeared to confirm he is targeting Jorge Masvidal vs Kamaru Usman. Welterweight champion Usman defended his title against former interim champion Colby Covington on Saturday night, getting a dramatic late stoppage with 50 seconds to go. Masvidal has hinted he wants fights with Conor McGregor and boxing superstar Floyd Mayweather in 2020, saying he’s the big ticket at 170 pounds. But it looks like White has other ideas. “Masvidal verses Usman now is a big deal,” White... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3042183/ufc-245-dana-white-says-jorge-masvidal-vs?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3042183/ufc-245-dana-white-says-jorge-masvidal-vs?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 15 Dec 2019 10:14:29 +0000 Jorge Masvidal viciously exposed Colby Covington after the former training partner called him “Street Judas” and “Journeyman Jorge” at a UFC press conference on Thursday. The Cuban-American Masvidal took to Twitter to expose Covington's training days, recounting embarrassing tales and saying the controversial fighter “sold out”. Covington will fight for the welterweight title against champion Kamaru Usman at UFC 245 on Sunday, with fans calling for a bout against friend-turned-enemy Masvidal... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3042017/ufc-jorge-masvidal-viciously-exposes-colby?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3042017/ufc-jorge-masvidal-viciously-exposes-colby?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 13 Dec 2019 09:18:52 +0000 If Colby Covington beats welterweight champion Kamaru Usman at UFC 245, most fans would agree Jorge Masvidal should be next in line. It appears Covington knows it makes all the sense in the world, too – not just in terms of rankings. The two men were former training partners and friends at American Top Team, but fell out after Masvidal claimed “Chaos” did not pay their coach. “As the people’s champion, I’d like to ask the people who they’d like to see me fight next,” Covington said at an athlete... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3041816/ufc-245-colby-covington-wants-street-judas?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3041816/ufc-245-colby-covington-wants-street-judas?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 12 Dec 2019 08:50:57 +0000 Jorge Masvidal has told Floyd Mayweather to “go back to Japan and beat up little guys” if he’s not interested in testing himself against the UFC star. Undefeated boxing icon Mayweather said he is coming out of retirement again in 2020 and has agreed to an event with UFC president Dana White. “BMF” champion Masvidal has thrown his name into the hat to fight “Money” – after he gets his hands on Conor McGregor, of course. “That’s [McGregor] one of the lottery tickets we’re possibly gonna cash in.... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3041385/ufc-jorge-masvidal-tells-floyd-mayweather-go?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3041385/ufc-jorge-masvidal-tells-floyd-mayweather-go?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 10 Dec 2019 04:43:56 +0000 UFC commentator Joe Rogan has said it would be a “real shame” if Jorge Masvidal doesn’t fight for the welterweight title next. “BMF” champion Masvidal has plenty of options on the table, not least a rematch with Nate Diaz, or even a fight with Nate’s brother Nick Diaz. Conor McGregor is also raising eyebrows after opting to return to the Octagon at 170 pounds against Donald “Cowboy” Cerrone in January. Welterweight champion Kamaru Usman fights Colby Covington in the main event of UFC 245 on... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3040945/ufc-joe-rogan-says-it-would-be-real-shame-if?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3040945/ufc-joe-rogan-says-it-would-be-real-shame-if?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 06 Dec 2019 08:02:30 +0000 It seems Conor McGregor’s decision to return to the UFC Octagon at 170 pounds indeed had some extra significance. The former featherweight and lightweight champion will fight Donald “Cowboy” Cerrone at welterweight on January 18 in Las Vegas, after more than a year out. And UFC president Dana White appeared to confirm what many suspected – that McGregor is coming for the “BMF” title. “Conor has told me he definitely wants a fight with Masvidal,” White told 101.6-FM in Washington. “So we’ll see... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3040938/ufc-dana-white-says-conor-mcgregor-told-him?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3040938/ufc-dana-white-says-conor-mcgregor-told-him?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 06 Dec 2019 07:29:45 +0000 It’s not often Conor McGregor isn’t the talk of the MMA world when he’s fighting. But “The Notorious” is playing a distinct second fiddle right now. The UFC confirmed two weeks ago that McGregor will be fighting Donald “Cowboy” Cerrone at welterweight for his big comeback on January 18. But it was another fight announcement this week that got fans more excited. Lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov and Tony Ferguson finally signed on the dotted line to fight each other in Brooklyn on April... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3040774/ufc-tony-ferguson-vs-khabib-fight-matters?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3040774/ufc-tony-ferguson-vs-khabib-fight-matters?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 05 Dec 2019 08:52:23 +0000 Conor McGregor has broken his silence for the first time since confirmation of his comeback bout against veteran Donald Cerrone in UFC 246 in January 2020. The 31-year-old McGregor (21-4), responded to Cerrone’s (36-13) Instagram post listing some impressive UFC-career accolades, which include all-time most wins, finishes, post-fight bonuses and knockouts via kicks. This will be “Cowboy’s” 51st career MMA-fight. “Good man Donald, enjoy the Christmas dinner,” McGregor said in the comments. “Happy... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3040109/ufc-246-conor-mcgregor-tells-donald-cerrone?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3040109/ufc-246-conor-mcgregor-tells-donald-cerrone?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 01 Dec 2019 09:40:38 +0000