Jorge Masvidal expects to run things back with Kamaru Usman again after UFC 261.
In the main event of the pay-per-view card, Masvidal is getting an immediate rematch for the belt after losing a dominant decision back in July. However, “Gamebred” took it on just six day’s notice and had to fly all the way to Abu Dhabi and cut around 20 pounds, and he believes it showed in his performance.
Now, in the rematch, Masvidal is confident in his skill set. He also says once he wins, he believes they will run it back for the trilogy.
“When I win the rematch we definitely will go for the trilogy,” Masvidal said during a virtual fan Q&A for ESPN+ subscribers on Tuesday hosted by Laura Sanko (via MMAFighting). “I will not go down in history 1-1 with this individual. It’s just not going to happen.”
As Masvidal says, not having to cut so much weight in such a small time will make him have a better performance. He knows he will have the cardio to go five hard rounds if it goes there.
“I’m not gonna cut 20 pounds of weight—mainly water—in six days [this time],” Masvidal explained. “Right now I’m eight, nine pounds before I hit the mark of 170 so it’s a different cut altogether. That will be the determining factor, I think.”
Ultimately, for Jorge Masvidal, he knows on April 24 in front of a full capacity crowd in Jacksonville, he will hear And New. When he does, all the years of hard work will pay off for Gamebred. In order for that to happen, though, Masvidal will need to keep the fight standing and likely land the KO punch on Usman.
“I’m going to get the type of sleep I want when I have that belt,” Masvidal stated. “Let’s go. Let’s find out [what it will mean to be champion].”
