Jorge Masvidal says Kamaru Usman doesn’t deserve the BMF title, but the UFC welterweight champion says he isn’t interested in that ‘piece of s***’ anyway.
Masvidal is set to challenge Usman for the title in a rematch in the UFC 261 main event. In their first meeting at UFC 251, ‘The Nigerian Nightmare’ scored a unanimous decision victory over ‘Gamebred’, who stepped in on one weeks’ notice to replace Gilbert Burns, who was forced out after testing positive for COVID.
During the UFC 261 pre-fight press conference (as transcribed by MMA Fighting), Masvidal revealed that not having to cut 20 pounds in one week like he did last July will make all the difference.
“Not having to cut 20lbs in six days means a lot to me,” Masvidal said. “All the energy I wasted on cutting weight is going to be spent putting the finish on him.”
Having Fans In The Arena
UFC 261 is set to take place in a sold out VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena in Masvidal’s home state of Florida, where he has always been a fan favourite.
“You can hear it yourself, see it yourself – these guys want violence,” Masvidal said. “They don’t cheer for me because I’m so good looking or the food that I eat, nothing, that’s not why they cheer for me. They cheer for me because I give everybody their hard earned money.
“I come in here to perform and bring the violence that they crave, and that’s the only reason why I got all these fans behind me.”
Usman, who was sitting only a few feet away from his opponent, told Masvidal that having fans in the arena won’t have any effect on the outcome, which will be the same as their first fight.
“The fans can’t fight for you,” Usman shouted. “You said that last time. What happened?”
To which Masvidal responded by saying that he will bust Usman’s face come fight night.
“I’m going to whoop your ass all by myself, I don’t need nobody,” Masvidal responded. “I didn’t get the broken nose, you did. I’m going to bust your face up, break more bones than last time. Remember this face.”
Usman then reminded Masvidal that he should be grateful that he ‘chose’ to fight the Miami native, despite the fact that he’s 3-3 in his last six fights.
“Let’s be honest,” Usman said. “You got 14 losses in your career, seven in the UFC, you’re 3-3 in your last six, you are sitting there today because I chose you. I’m coming around the track and you’re the first guy that I’m about to lap. Period.”
BMF Title
Masvidal, who beat Nate Diaz to win the BMF belt at UFC 244, said that his belt won’t be on the line at UFC 261, because Usman doesn’t deserve it.
“You gotta be a BMF to compete for that one, and this dude ain’t it,” Masvidal said.
Usman responded by saying that he doesn’t need ‘that piece of s***’, because he owns the more valuable prize.
“What belt?” Usman questioned. “There’s three belts, three shiny belts here. This is what’s important. Not that piece of s***.”
Nothing Personal
While he claims his rivalry with Masvidal isn’t personal, Usman said that he won’t be satisfied until he breaks his opponent’s will inside the Octagon.
“I didn’t feel like I broke his will,” Usman said. “On Saturday night, once I break his will, absolutely I’ll be satisfied.
“No, it’s not personal at all. If he’s making it personal, that’s on him. For me, it’s not personal. It’s all about business. He’s that next guy that I’ve picked.”
‘I’ll Give Him A Rematch’
Usman called out Masvidal for the rematch immediately after beating Burns at UFC 258. Should the challenger go on to win the title at UFC 261, he said that he will return the favour by giving the Nigerian an immediate rematch.
“Definitely, he gave me a chance,” Masvidal said. “Whether we see eye-to-eye on things or not, he gave me another chance to compete, so I’ll definitely give him the chance to compete again.”
Gamebred Fighting Championship
Before the UFC 261 press conference, Masvidal announced that he’s teaming up with hip-hop artist Anuel AA to launch his own bare-knuckle MMA promotion, Gamebred Fighting Championship.
“[Anuel AA and I] have teamed up to bring you the most vicious fights we could think of Bare Knuckle MMA,” Masvidal said. “That’s right no gloves same rules and the first fight will be in Miami on June 25th.”
Who do you think wins the welterweight title fight between Kamaru Usman and Jorge Masvidal at UFC 261?
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