UFC 287 is upon us and a big night awaits fans and fighters alike. Taking place in the Kaseya Center in Miami, all eyes will be on the hometown hero, Jorge Masvidal.
Although the headliner is Alex Pereira vs Israel Adesanya, a lot has been made of the co-main event as well. #3 ranked Gilbert Burns takes on #11 ranked Jorge Masvidal in a three-rounder. Arguably the fan’s fight of the night, many will be tuning in for the violence that has been promised by both fighters.
Ahead of the fight, Gamebred has spoken about his family and friends being present to watch him fight. “I’m here with my people, my family, the city that birthed me, raised me, matured me and now I get to compete in front of them in the flesh”. According to Masvidal, it’s a feeling hard to put into words with so many people he knows coming to see him fight.
Fighting for 20 years now, and having more than 50 MMA fights, Jorge is a true veteran of the game. Moreover, he also has countless bare-knuckle, backyard fights as well. Thus, it is a special moment for Masvidal on Saturday night. Most importantly, Jorge wishes to inspire the next generation of Latino warriors with his performances and achievements in the sport. “I’m going to inspire the next generation of hardworking Latino mother****** like myself to take the f**k over man”.
Jorge Masvidal might compete in his last fight at UFC 287 in front of his family
Ahead of Masvidal’s fight against Gilbert Burns, a lot has been made of him potentially retiring after this fight. Now 38 and 0-3 in his last three fights, Masvidal’s record is certainly rough reading. In addition to that, Masvidal does not have any wins over current UFC welterweights since 2013. Thus, Gamebred seems like a man from a different era and will feel like his time is coming.
Previously, Masvidal spoke to Joe Rogan about the same on his podcast. According to him, “Once I can’t keep up with the pack no more, I know my time has come”. Thus, once his coaches tell him that it’s time to wrap it up, Masvidal will oblige and bow out gracefully. Years of fighting and damage are sure to have taken a toll on him and he does not wish to punish himself any more than he needs to.
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On Saturday, should Jorge lose, he will walk away from the sport with his head held high and his family near him. However, should he pull something out of the bag and beat Burns, it could be a catalyst for one last title push. With his rivalry against Colby Covington and Leon Edwards still unsettled, it gives Masvidal something to fight for.
Although he has done well with Gamebred Boxing, there are still a few big fights left for him in the UFC. Recently, Masvidal has been beefing with Kevin Holland, which could lead to a future fight. However, only Masvidal himself knows what he will decide after Saturday night.