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Jorge Masvidal
Jorge Masvidal 2023.jpg
Masvidal in 2023
Born (1984-11-12) November 12, 1984 (age 40)
Miami, Florida, U.S.
Nickname(s) Gamebred
Height 5 ft 11 in (1.80 m)
Weight 170 lb (77 kg)
Division Welterweight
Lightweight
Reach 74 in (188 cm)
Style Boxing
Stance Orthodox
Fighting out of Miami, Florida, U.S.
Team Young Tigers
American Top Team (2007–2023)
Rank white belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu
Years active 2003–2023 (MMA)
2005, 2024–present (boxing)
Professional boxing record
Total 1
Wins 1
Kickboxing record
Total 1
Wins 1
Mixed martial arts record
Total 52
Wins 35
By knockout 16
By submission 2
By decision 17
Losses 17
By knockout 2
By submission 2
By decision 13

Jorge Masvidal (born November 12, 1984) is an American professional boxer and former professional mixed martial artist who competed in the Welterweight and Lightweight divisions. Masvidal competed professionally for 20 years from 2003 until 2023, having fought in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), Bellator, Strikeforce, Shark Fights, and World Victory Road. He holds the record for the fastest knockout in UFC history at five seconds, and won the symbolic UFC "BMF" Championship belt.

Early life

Masvidal was born and raised in Miami, to a Cuban father and Peruvian mother. According to Masvidal, his father left Cuba in a self-made raft when he was young, ending up in the Virgin Islands. Masvidal was often involved in street fighting from a young age. There are videos on YouTube of his fights defeating Kimbo Slice's protégé "Ray". Masvidal was first interested in wrestling in high school, but was not eligible because of his grades. He then began training in karate and mixed martial arts.

Mixed martial arts career

Early career

Masvidal won his mixed martial arts debut by knockout on May 24, 2003, at HOOKnSHOOT: Absolute Fighting Championships 3. He fought in the main event of the Absolute Fighting Championships XII event held on April 30, against current UFC competitor and The Ultimate Fighter 5 contestant Joe Lauzon. Masvidal won via technical knockout in the second round.

Masvidal garnered a 3–0 record in the now-defunct BodogFIGHT promotion, including decision victories over Keith Wisniewski, Steve Berger, and a head-kick knockout of PRIDE Fighting Championships and UFC veteran Yves Edwards.

Bellator

Masvidal was signed by Bellator and entered their lightweight tournament in April 2009. Masvidal won his first fight against Nick Agallar at Bellator 1 via TKO in the first round. However, he was defeated in the semifinals by Toby Imada at Bellator 5, who won via inverted triangle choke submission in the third round. This upset loss was acknowledged as Submission of the Year by several prominent MMA media outlets, like Sherdog, MMA Fighting and World MMA Awards.

Masvidal faced and defeated Eric Reynolds at Bellator 12 in a 160 lb. catchweight bout via rear-naked choke submission. He was rumored to be fighting again but was released by the organization.

Post-Bellator

Masvidal moved up to the welterweight division to fight Paul Daley at Shark Fights 13 in Amarillo, Texas in September 2010. The bout was later made a catchweight of 171.75 lbs. after Daley failed to make weight, simultaneously forfeiting 10 percent of his show purse to Masvidal. Daley defeated Masvidal via unanimous decision. After this performance, Masvidal signed with Strikeforce.

Strikeforce

Masvidal returned to Strikeforce in early 2011, facing Billy Evangelista at Strikeforce: Feijao vs. Henderson. He won the fight via unanimous decision.

Masvidal then fought former Elite XC Lightweight Champion K. J. Noons in a number one contender's bout. Despite knocking Noons down and almost finishing him in the first round, Masvidal went on to win via unanimous decision.

Masvidal faced Gilbert Melendez for the Strikeforce Lightweight Championship at Strikeforce: Melendez vs. Masvidal on December 17, 2011, at the Valley View Casino Center in San Diego, CA. He lost the fight via unanimous decision.

Following the championship bout, Masvidal fought Justin Wilcox at Strikeforce: Rockhold vs. Kennedy on July 14, 2012. He won the fight via split decision (29–28, 28–29, and 30–27).

Masvidal was expected to face Bobby Green on November 3, 2012, at Strikeforce: Cormier vs. Mir, but the bout was canceled along with the event itself.

Replacing injured Gilbert Melendez, Masvidal was expected to face Pat Healy at Strikeforce: Marquardt vs. Saffiedine. However, he in turn had to pull out due to a back injury and was replaced by Kurt Holobaugh.

Ultimate Fighting Championship

2013

Following the dissolution of Strikeforce in January 2013, Masvidal was brought over to the UFC. He made his debut against Tim Means on April 20, 2013, at UFC on Fox 7. Masvidal was successful in his debut, winning the fight via unanimous decision.

For his second bout with the promotion, Masvidal made a quick return to the Octagon as he replaced Reza Madadi in a fight against Michael Chiesa on July 27, 2013, at UFC on Fox 8. Despite being dropped in the first round by punches, Masvidal took control in the second round and won via submission.

For his third UFC bout, Masvidal faced Rustam Khabilov on November 6, 2013, at UFC: Fight for the Troops 3. He lost the back-and-forth fight via unanimous decision. Despite the loss, the bout earned Masvidal his first Fight of the Night.

2014

Masvidal fought longtime veteran Pat Healy at UFC on Fox 11. He won the fight via unanimous decision (30–27, 30–27, 29–28).

Masvidal faced Daron Cruickshank on July 26, 2014, at UFC on Fox 12. After being dropped by a punch in the first round, Masvidal recovered and won the fight via unanimous decision (29–28, 29–28, and 29–27).

A bout with Bobby Green, first scheduled under the Strikeforce banner in 2012 before being scrapped, was expected to take place on September 27, 2014, at UFC 178. However, on August 14, the UFC announced that Masvidal would instead face James Krause. Masvidal won the fight via unanimous decision (30–27, 29–28, 30–27).

2015

Masvidal was expected to face Norman Parke on January 18, 2015, at UFC Fight Night 59. However, Masvidal pulled out of the bout citing an injury and was replaced by Gleison Tibau.

Masvidal was briefly linked to a bout with Bobby Green on April 4, 2015, at UFC Fight Night 63. However, shortly after the fight was announced by the UFC, Green pulled out of the bout citing an injury and was replaced by Benson Henderson. In turn, Henderson was removed from the bout to serve as event headliner at UFC Fight Night 60. Masvidal eventually faced Al Iaquinta at the event. He lost the bout in a closely contested split decision. 13 of 15 media outlets scored the bout in favor of Masvidal.

Masvidal faced Cezar Ferreira in a welterweight bout on July 12, 2015, at The Ultimate Fighter 21 Finale. He won the fight via knockout in the first round, also earning a Performance of the Night bonus.

Masvidal was expected to face Dong Hyun Kim on November 28, 2015, at UFC Fight Night 79. However, on November 14, it was announced that Masvidal would instead face Benson Henderson at the event after his scheduled opponent Thiago Alves pulled out of their fight. Masvidal lost the back-and-forth fight via split decision.

2016

Masvidal faced Lorenz Larkin on May 29, 2016, at UFC Fight Night 88. He lost the back-and-forth fight via split decision.

Masvidal was expected to face Siyar Bahadurzada on July 30, 2016, at UFC 201. However, Bahadurzada pulled out of the bout on July 12 citing an illness and was replaced by Ross Pearson. He won the fight via unanimous decision.

Masvidal was briefly linked to a bout with Kelvin Gastelum on November 5, 2016, at The Ultimate Fighter Latin America 3 Finale. However, on September 14, Gastelum was removed in favor of a fight against former lightweight title challenger Donald Cerrone at UFC 205, one week later. Subsequently, Masvidal was removed from the card entirely and instead faced Jake Ellenberger the following month at The Ultimate Fighter 24 Finale. He went on to defeat Ellenberger in the first round via TKO. It was ruled a TKO after Ellenberger's toe was caught in the fence and the referee called a stop to the action resulting in the end of the fight.

2017

Masvidal faced Donald Cerrone on January 28, 2017, at UFC on Fox 23. He dropped Cerrone and nearly finished the fight in the last seconds of the first round, and eventually won the fight via TKO in the second round after scoring another knockdown. The win also earned Masvidal his second Performance of the Night bonus.

Masvidal faced off against Demian Maia at UFC 211 on May 13, 2017. Masvidal lost the fight via split decision.

Masvidal faced Stephen Thompson on November 4, 2017, at UFC 217. He lost the one-sided fight via unanimous decision.

2019

After a 16-month layoff, Masvidal faced Darren Till on March 16, 2019, in the main event at UFC Fight Night 147. Although dropped in the first round, he went on to win the fight via knockout in the second round. The win also earned Masvidal his second Fight of the Night and third Performance of the Night bonus awards.

Masvidal faced Ben Askren on July 6, 2019, at UFC 239. Both fighters rushed in immediately with Masvidal catching Askren with a flying knee as he attempted a takedown, winning the fight via knockout 5 seconds into round one. The knockout was the fastest knockout in UFC history, breaking the record set by Duane Ludwig. This win earned him the Performance of the Night award, and it earned him the 2019 Knockout of the Year by multiple MMA media outlets. Subsequently, Masvidal signed a new, eight-fight contract with the UFC.

Masvidal faced Nate Diaz on November 2, 2019, in the main event at UFC 244. ..... After dominating most of the fight, Masvidal won the fight via TKO due to the doctor stoppage between rounds three and four when the cageside physician determined a cut over Diaz's right eye rendered him unable to continue. Although the decision was controversial among fight fans, Brian Suttere, a Mayo Clinic-affiliated physician, agreed with the decision.

2020

On 5 July 2020, it was reported that Masvidal had stepped in on less than a week's notice to face Kamaru Usman for the UFC Welterweight Championship at UFC 251, replacing original challenger Gilbert Burns, who had tested positive for COVID-19 on 3 July 2020. Prior to the fight, he signed a new, multi-fight contract with the UFC. Masvidal lost the fight via unanimous judges' decision, scored 50–45, 50-45 and 49–46.

2021

Masvidal faced Kamaru Usman in a rematch for the UFC Welterweight Championship on April 24, 2021, at UFC 261. Masvidal lost the fight via knockout in round two, marking his first stoppage loss inside the UFC.

Masvidal was scheduled to face Leon Edwards on December 11, 2021, at UFC 269. However, Masvidal withdrew due to injury, and the bout was scrapped.

2022

Masvidal faced Colby Covington on March 5, 2022, at UFC 272. He lost the fight via unanimous decision. This fight earned him the Fight of the Night award.

Retirement

Masvidal faced Gilbert Burns on April 8, 2023, at UFC 287. He lost the fight via unanimous decision and subsequently announced his retirement from competition during the post-fight interview.

Boxing career

Masvidal vs. Diaz

On March 13, 2024, it was announced that Masvidal would face Nate Diaz on June 1, 2024 at the Kia Forum in Los Angeles, California in a 10-round boxing bout at light heavyweight. On May 7, 2024 it was reported that the fight was rescheduled for July 6, 2024 at Honda Center in Anaheim, CA. On May 13, 2024 the new fight date was confirmed for July 6, 2024.

Professional wrestling

Masvidal made his debut for All Elite Wrestling at AEW Grand Slam on September 24, 2021, alongside American Top Team, and attacked Chris Jericho and Jake Hager.

Business interests

In 2020, Masvidal launched a mezcal brand, El Recuerdo de Oaxaca Joven, through a partnership with Recuerdo Mezcal.

In April 2021, Masvidal announced he was launching a bare-knuckle MMA promotion, Gamebred Fighting Championship. The promotion held its inaugural pay-per-view event on June 18, 2021, in Biloxi, Mississippi.

In January 2022, Masvidal launched another MMA promotion, iKON FC, which would feature both UFC veterans and up-and-coming fighters. The promotion's inaugural event aired on UFC Fight Pass on January 21, 2022.

Championships and accomplishments

Mixed martial arts

  • Ultimate Fighting Championship
    • UFC 'BMF' Championship (First)
    • Fight of the Night (Three times) vs. Rustam Khabilov, Colby Covington and Darren Till
    • Performance of the Night (Four times) vs. Cezar Ferreira, Donald Cerrone, Darren Till, and Ben Askren
      • UFC Honors 2019 Performance of the Year vs. Ben Askren
    • Fastest knockout in UFC history (5 seconds) vs. Ben Askren at UFC 239
      • UFC Honors 2019 Knockout of the Year vs. Ben Askren
  • Absolute Fighting Championships
    • AFC Welterweight Championship
  • MMAJunkie.com
    • 2019 July Knockout of the Month vs. Ben Askren
    • 2019 November Fight of the Month vs. Nate Diaz
    • 2019 Knockout of the Year vs. Ben Askren
    • 2019 Breakthrough Fighter of the Year
  • MMAFighting.com
    • 2019 Knockout of the Year vs. Ben Askren
  • CombatPress.com
    • 2019 Knockout of the Year vs. Ben Askren
    • 2019 Comeback Fighter of the Year
  • CagesidePress.com
    • 2019 Knockout of the Year vs. Ben Askren
  • MMAMania.com
    • 2019 Knockout of the Year vs. Ben Askren
  • Wrestling Observer Newsletter
    • Mixed Martial Arts Most Valuable (2019)
  • World MMA Awards
    • 2019 – July 2020 Breakthrough Fighter of the Year
    • 2019 – July 2020 Knockout of the Year vs. Ben Askren at UFC 239

Mixed martial arts record

Professional record breakdown
52 matches 35 wins 17 losses
By knockout 16 2
By submission 2 2
By decision 17 13
Res. Record Opponent Method Event Date Round Time Location Notes
Loss 35–17 Gilbert Burns Decision (unanimous) UFC 287 April 8, 2023 3 5:00 Miami, Florida, United States
Loss 35–16 Colby Covington Decision (unanimous) UFC 272 March 5, 2022 5 5:00 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States Fight of the Night.
Loss 35–15 Kamaru Usman KO (punch) UFC 261 April 24, 2021 2 1:02 Jacksonville, Florida, United States For the UFC Welterweight Championship.
Loss 35–14 Kamaru Usman Decision (unanimous) UFC 251 July 12, 2020 5 5:00 Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates For the UFC Welterweight Championship.
Win 35–13 Nate Diaz TKO (doctor stoppage) UFC 244 November 2, 2019 3 5:00 New York City, New York, United States Won the symbolic "BMF" title.
Win 34–13 Ben Askren KO (flying knee) UFC 239 July 6, 2019 1 0:05 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States Fastest knockout in UFC history. Performance of the Night. Performance of the Year.
Win 33–13 Darren Till KO (punches) UFC Fight Night: Till vs. Masvidal March 16, 2019 2 3:05 London, England Performance of the Night. Fight of the Night.
Loss 32–13 Stephen Thompson Decision (unanimous) UFC 217 November 4, 2017 3 5:00 New York City, New York, United States
Loss 32–12 Demian Maia Decision (split) UFC 211 May 13, 2017 3 5:00 Dallas, Texas, United States UFC Welterweight title eliminator.
Win 32–11 Donald Cerrone TKO (punches) UFC on Fox: Shevchenko vs. Peña January 28, 2017 2 1:00 Denver, Colorado, United States Performance of the Night.
Win 31–11 Jake Ellenberger TKO (punches) The Ultimate Fighter: Tournament of Champions Finale December 3, 2016 1 4:05 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Win 30–11 Ross Pearson Decision (unanimous) UFC 201 July 30, 2016 3 5:00 Atlanta, Georgia, United States
Loss 29–11 Lorenz Larkin Decision (split) UFC Fight Night: Almeida vs. Garbrandt May 29, 2016 3 5:00 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Loss 29–10 Benson Henderson Decision (split) UFC Fight Night: Henderson vs. Masvidal November 28, 2015 5 5:00 Seoul, South Korea
Win 29–9 Cezar Ferreira KO (elbows and punches) The Ultimate Fighter: American Top Team vs. Blackzilians Finale July 12, 2015 1 4:22 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States Return to Welterweight. Performance of the Night.
Loss 28–9 Al Iaquinta Decision (split) UFC Fight Night: Mendes vs. Lamas April 4, 2015 3 5:00 Fairfax, Virginia, United States
Win 28–8 James Krause Decision (unanimous) UFC 178 September 27, 2014 3 5:00 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Win 27–8 Daron Cruickshank Decision (unanimous) UFC on Fox: Lawler vs. Brown July 26, 2014 3 5:00 San Jose, California, United States
Win 26–8 Pat Healy Decision (unanimous) UFC on Fox: Werdum vs. Browne April 19, 2014 3 5:00 Orlando, Florida, United States
Loss 25–8 Rustam Khabilov Decision (unanimous) UFC: Fight for the Troops 3 November 6, 2013 3 5:00 Fort Campbell, Kentucky, United States Fight of the Night.
Win 25–7 Michael Chiesa Submission (brabo choke) UFC on Fox: Johnson vs. Moraga July 27, 2013 2 4:59 Seattle, Washington, United States
Win 24–7 Tim Means Decision (unanimous) UFC on Fox: Henderson vs. Melendez April 20, 2013 3 5:00 San Jose, California, United States
Win 23–7 Justin Wilcox Decision (split) Strikeforce: Rockhold vs. Kennedy July 14, 2012 3 5:00 Portland, Oregon, United States
Loss 22–7 Gilbert Melendez Decision (unanimous) Strikeforce: Melendez vs. Masvidal December 17, 2011 5 5:00 San Diego, California, United States For the Strikeforce Lightweight Championship.
Win 22–6 K. J. Noons Decision (unanimous) Strikeforce: Overeem vs. Werdum June 18, 2011 3 5:00 Dallas, Texas, United States Strikeforce Lightweight title eliminator.
Win 21–6 Billy Evangelista Decision (unanimous) Strikeforce: Feijao vs. Henderson March 5, 2011 3 5:00 Columbus, Ohio, United States
Loss 20–6 Paul Daley Decision (unanimous) Shark Fights 13: Jardine vs Prangley September 11, 2010 3 5:00 Amarillo, Texas, United States Welterweight bout; Daley missed weight (172 lb).
Win 20–5 Naoyuki Kotani Decision (split) ASTRA April 25, 2010 3 5:00 Tokyo, Japan
Loss 19–5 Luis Palomino Decision (split) G-Force Fights 3 April 2, 2010 3 5:00 Miami, Florida, United States
Win 19–4 Satoru Kitaoka KO (punches) World Victory Road Presents: Sengoku 11 November 7, 2009 2 3:03 Tokyo, Japan
Win 18–4 Eric Reynolds Submission (rear-naked choke) Bellator 12 June 19, 2009 3 3:33 Hollywood, Florida, United States Catchweight (160 lb) bout.
Loss 17–4 Toby Imada Technical Submission (inverted triangle choke) Bellator 5 May 1, 2009 3 3:22 Dayton, Ohio, United States Bellator Season One Lightweight Tournament Semifinal.
Win 17–3 Nick Agallar TKO (punches) Bellator 1 April 3, 2009 1 1:19 Hollywood, Florida, United States Bellator Season One Lightweight Tournament Quarterfinal.
Win 16–3 Tae Hyun Bang Decision (unanimous) World Victory Road Presents: Sengoku 6 November 1, 2008 3 5:00 Saitama, Japan Sengoku Lightweight Grand Prix reserve bout.
Win 15–3 Ryan Schultz TKO (punches) World Victory Road Presents: Sengoku 5 September 28, 2008 1 1:57 Tokyo, Japan Sengoku Lightweight Grand Prix reserve bout.
Loss 14–3 Rodrigo Damm TKO (punch) World Victory Road Presents: Sengoku 3 June 8, 2008 2 4:38 Saitama, Japan
Win 14–2 Ryan Healy Decision (unanimous) Strikeforce: At The Dome February 23, 2008 3 5:00 Tacoma, Washington, United States Catchweight (160 lb) bout.
Win 13–2 Brant Rose TKO (punches) Crazy Horse Fights December 11, 2007 1 0:56 Fort Lauderdale, Florida, United States
Win 12–2 Matt Lee TKO (elbows and punches) Strikeforce: ... Mansion September 29, 2007 1 1:33 Beverly Hills, California, United States Catchweight (160 lb) bout.
Win 11–2 Yves Edwards KO (head kick) BodogFIGHT: Alvarez vs. Lee July 14, 2007 2 2:59 Trenton, New Jersey, United States Return to Lightweight.
Win 10–2 Steve Berger Decision (unanimous) BodogFIGHT: St. Petersburg December 15, 2006 3 5:00 St. Petersburg, Russia
Win 9–2 Keith Wisniewski Decision (majority) BodogFIGHT: To the Brink of War August 22, 2006 3 5:00 San José, Costa Rica
Win 8–2 Nuri Shakir Decision (unanimous) AFC 17 June 24, 2006 3 5:00 Fort Lauderdale, Florida, United States Won the vacant AFC Welterweight Championship.
Win 7–2 David Gardner TKO (punches) AFC 15 February 18, 2006 2 0:14 Fort Lauderdale, Florida, United States Return to Welterweight.
Loss 6–2 Paul Rodriguez Technical submission (rear-naked choke) AFC 13 July 30, 2005 1 2:27 Fort Lauderdale, Florida, United States
Win 6–1 Joe Lauzon TKO (punches) AFC 12 April 30, 2005 2 3:57 Fort Lauderdale, Florida, United States
Loss 5–1 Raphael Assunção Decision (unanimous) Full Throttle 1 April 21, 2005 3 5:00 Duluth, Georgia, United States
Win 5–0 Justin Wisniewski Decision (majority) AFC 8 May 1, 2004 2 5:00 Fort Lauderdale, Florida, United States Lightweight debut.
Win 4–0 Julian Ortega Decision (unanimous) AFC 6 December 3, 2003 2 5:00 Fort Lauderdale, Florida, United States
Win 3–0 Rolando Delgado TKO (punches) AFC 5 September 5, 2003 2 2:14 Fort Lauderdale, Florida, United States
Win 2–0 Brian Geraghty Decision (unanimous) AFC 4 July 19, 2003 2 5:00 Fort Lauderdale, Florida, United States
Win 1–0 Brandon Bledsoe KO (punches) AFC 3 May 24, 2003 1 3:55 Fort Lauderdale, Florida, United States

Professional boxing record

Professional record summary
1 fight 1 win 0 losses
By decision 1 0
No. Result Record Opponent Type Round, time Date Location Notes
1 Win 1–0 Joseph Benjamin MD 4 Jun 28, 2005 Radisson Mart Plaza Hotel, Miami, Florida, U.S.

Pay-per-view bouts

Event Fight Date Venue City PPV buys
UFC 244 Masvidal vs Diaz November 2, 2019 Madison Square Garden New York City, New York, U.S Not Disclosed
UFC 251 Usman vs. Masvidal July 12, 2020 Flash Forum Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates 1,300,000
UFC 261 Usman vs. Masvidal 2 April 24, 2021 VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena Jacksonville, Florida, U.S. 700,000
UFC 272 Covington vs Masvidal March 5, 2022 T-Mobile Arena Paradise, Nevada, U.S Not Disclosed

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Jorge Masvidal para niños

  • List of Strikeforce alumni
  • List of male mixed martial artists
  • List of UFC records
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