03 April 2023 , 14:56
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Jorge Masvidal has admitted he will consider retiring from the UFC if he loses to Gilbert Burns this weekend.
UFC veteran Masvidal will return to the octagon this weekend against fellow welterweight contender Burns at UFC 287 on the undercard of Israel Adesanya's rematch with Alex Pereira in Miami. It represents a significant moment in the late stages of Masvidal's career and could be his last chance at pushing to challenge for the title at 170lb, having failed to yet grab the belt despite multiple attempts.
Masvidal is now 38-years-old and has suffered three losses in a row including two against Kamaru Usman and most recently last March against bitter rival Colby Covington. It is considered a make-or-break showdown for 'Gamebred' who has now suggested it could derail his career if he is to come up short.
“This could be the last one,” Jorge Masvidal said during the UFC 287 Countdown show when boldly conceding fans could see him for the last time in the UFC this weekend. “If I lose, I’m pretty much calling it quits. But a win against Gilbert (Burns), means that things are heading in the right direction. So, if I roll the dice, and I do everything right, I’m going for it all.”
Masvidal could be handed a very different trajectory if he is to defy the odds and oust Burns this weekend, with current 170lb champion Leon Edwards very much open to a showdown. The pair have held a feud since they were meant to do battle last year, but the American was forced to withdraw from the contest with an undisclosed injury.
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Since then 'Rocky' has claimed the crown and stated repeatedly that he would be willing to hand Masvidal a shot at the crown particularly if he progresses beyond the rugged Brazilian. Masvidal is considered a huge pay-per-view draw in the UFC and would likely be fast-tracked after a potential challenge from Covington.
Jorge Masvidal could retire if he loses at UFC 287 (Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)Do you think Jorge Masvidal should retire if he loses? Let us know in the comments section below
And the Miami native has insisted he is open to the showdown and wants to take Edwards head off. He said on The Joe Rogan Experience: “Just like I’m about to do to Leon’s b***h a**. I’m gonna go to England and knock his f***ing head off his shoulders. That’s a good style match-up for me. He’s not a wrestler, he can’t wrestle for five rounds, and he’s not better technically than me. He’s going have to stand there with me and throw blows, and that’s where I’m gonna hurt that dude, bro.
“I’m not looking past Gilbert, but I am going make him a stepping stone and an example. I’m going to say now: It’s going to happen, and it’s going to be a movie ending; I’m going to fight Leon after [Burns], and I’m going rip his head off. It’s nothing personal. I know he can’t stand me, but I couldn’t give a f*** less about him. I want that belt."