Jorge Masvidal has the date of April 8 circled on his calendar because, following a lengthy layoff, he is scheduled to compete in the co-main event of the upcoming UFC 287 event. However, in the days leading up to the fight, he discussed the reasons why Conor McGregor never faced him.
On the main card of UFC 287: Pereira vs. Adesanya 2, welterweights Masvidal and Burns will square off in a promising fight. Jorge Masvidal wants to get back on the winning track after losing three in a row to Colby Covington and Kamaru Usman.
In a recent interview with Ariel Helwani’s The MMA Hour, the welterweight fighter discussed not just his future bout, but also the reasons why he and Conor never really fought. The 38-year-old fighter vented his annoyance at never getting to face The Notorious, despite his desire to do so and UFC’s offer of a bout between the two.
âI want Conor, but Conor doesnât want me. It sucks, you know? He just doesnât want it. Every time the UFCâs brought it up, he shoots it down. I donât know whyâ said Jorge.
Conor McGregor vs Jorge Masvidal – TUF
Itâs smart as I donât think the interest for a fight is anywhere near as big as it once was a few years ago. Losing streaks, no belt etc.
TUF, generates hype between them and builds a storyline rather than two big names fighting each other pic.twitter.com/mSulHNTJCh
— Declan Hill (@DeclanAHill_) January 26, 2023
The veteran fighter discussed several of his theories regarding the reasons why Conor never showed any interest in facing him inside the octagon.
âI think Iâm [physically] bigger, I think Iâm quicker than him, and we both know I hit harder than him, so I get it. Stylistically, itâs not the best for him or his brand, you know? Not only am I going to beat the f**king brakes off of him, but Iâm going to do it in a way that is not good for his brand.â Masvidal further added.
The UFC 287 co-main event will be a battle between top welterweights Gilbert Burns and Jorge Masvidal đ„ pic.twitter.com/cEDj8tBYGp
— ESPN MMA (@espnmma) January 27, 2023
The American has been competing in the UFC for a decade, during which time he has won 10 of his 19 bouts and lost 9. Jorge, the number 13 welterweight, defeated Nate Diaz to earn the BMF championship belt at UFC 244. Jorge Masvida is currently focusing on his upcoming bout with Gilbert Burns.