Jorge Masvidal reveals discussions of UFC 300 return: “There was some flirting”

By Josh Evanoff - February 28, 2024

Former welterweight title challenger Jorge Masvidal was nearly added to UFC 300 in April.

Jorge Masvidal, Unretired, UFC

‘Gamebred’ has been out of action since a unanimous decision defeat to Gilbert Burns last April. Jorge Masvidal showed some spark against ‘Durinho’, but was largely battered across 15 minutes. The welterweight promised to retire with a defeat, and he kept his word post-fight. He retired in the center of the cage, in an emotional moment.

However, Jorge Masvidal couldn’t be kept out of fighting forever. Last month, the former UFC title challenger announced plans to end retirement, for a likely boxing match. Masvidal has been linked to a potential rematch with Nate Diaz, but nothing has been made official as of now. If the bout fails to come to fruition, he has other options.

Appearing on The MMA Hour with Ariel Helwani earlier today, Jorge Masvidal discussed his plans to return to fighting. In the interview, ‘Gamebred’ was asked if there were any discussions with the UFC about a potential return. Masvidal confirmed that was the case, but he was more focused on a move into boxing.

However, the two sides were interested in staging Jorge Masvidal’s return at UFC 300 in April. The former title challenger also revealed that there were discussions about fighting at UFC 299 as well. That card is currently set to go down in Miami, in Masvidal’s hometown.

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Jorge Masvidal

Image via: @gamebredfighter on Instagram

Jorge Masvidal reveals discussions about potential return at UFC 300 in April

“Yeah, there was some flirting definitely. There was a lot of flirting, a lot of this and that. “Jorge Masvidal stated in response to a question about potentially fighting at UFC 300. “There was some talk of that Miami card as well. Like, how are you going to go to Miami and not have your boy on there right? That’s the common thought.”

He continued, “But f*cking, yeah there was a little talk for it. Just nothing materialized. A big part of me was definitely interested. But, I already had wanted to do boxing. I’ve been doing MMA for twenty years, I kind of just want to box, and have fun doing something different.”

“MMA is my number one sport, my number one activity to do.” Jorge Masvidal concluded on The MMA Hour. “But I opted for the boxing route for now.”

While it would’ve been nice to have Jorge Masvidal return at UFC 300, the milestone event is stacked. The card is set to be headlined by Alex Pereira vs. Jamahal Hill, with other title bouts such as Justin Gaethje vs. Max Holloway on the undercard. The promotional debut of Kayla Harrison is also set for the event, with the former PFL tournament winner slated to face Holly Holm.

What do you make of these comments from Jorge Masvidal? Who do you want to see ‘Gamebred’ fight next?