Jorge Masvidal, the famed UFC welterweight fighter, is set to return to the octagon this weekend in his hometown of Miami to face Gilbert Burns. The bout has taken an interesting turn as Masvidal engaged in a public feud with Kevin Holland. The two had to be separated in the lobby; such was the gravity of the squabble.
With three consecutive defeats, Masvidal needs a win to revive his career and stay in the title picture at 170lb. The stakes have arguably never been higher for him during the fight week. A few days ago, Masvidal claimed that he would retire if he lost to Burns. This could effectively end his chances of challenging for the title.
What happened between Jorge Masvidal and Kevin Holland?
The tensions are rising high for Masvidal. He engaged in a heated altercation with fellow challenger Kevin Holland at the fight-week media day. The pair kept hurling insults at each other from opposite sides of the lobby. Holland was visibly animated. ‘Trailblazer’ was even ready to meet Masvidal in the middle and argue with him.
Masvidal was up to the task as well. He was just as willing to get closer to Holland. However, security guards came to aid. Two members of the security team held him back, to prevent him from getting any closer.
Masvidal has his eyes on the belt
Masvidal is a huge pay-per-view star even after his decline in recent years. There is a possibility that he will be fast-tracked to the apex if he edges over Burns. He has already set his sights on the current 170lb champion Leon Edwards, whom he plans to beat in England and cinch the belt around his waist.
Masvidal has plotted a vicious beating of Edwards even before his bout against Burns. For this to be a reality, he must first have the last laugh against Burns. And that will take some beating since Burns is a tough cookie.
Masvidal’s bitter rival Colby Covington is also in the mix, and Edwards will first need to beat him potentially. If Masvidal does his job on Saturday, then everything else will fall into place for him. ‘Gamebred’ claimed, “Eliminate him in an impressive fashion and there’ll be talk of nobody else fighting for nothing else but me.”
With that on his mind, Masvidal must feel flustered as well, considering the stakes of his bout at UFC 287. Masvidal has a lot riding on this co-main event, and he desperately needs to win to remain in the title picture. \
The altercation with Holland has only amplified the tension surrounding the fight. Masvidal’s staunch followers will keep a keen eye on the fight. Whether he can make a comeback and reinstate himself as a top contender in the UFC welterweight division is to be seen.
Do you think Masvidal can beat Burns?
