Jorge Masvidal’s weight loss on the cusp for Kamaru Usman’s rematch

by

Jorge Masvidal appears to be shooting all cylinders ahead of his rematch with Kamaru Usman at UFC 261.

Masvidal (35-14 MMA, 12-7 UFC) will challenge Usman (18-1 MMA, 13-0 UFC) for the UFC welterweight title for the second time this month in the rematch of the main event on April 24. takes place at Vystar Veterans Memorial Arena in Jacksonville, Florida. The main map is broadcast on pay-per-view after prelims on ESPN and ESPN +.

Masvidal’s first time against Usman was in July at UFC 251. He replaced Gilbert Burns with six days’ notice, initially pointing out the lack of a full training camp for the loss. This, despite the fact that he was originally negotiating to fight Usman at the event before he couldn’t reach an agreement with the UFC.

With the sequel fast approaching, Masvidal said he will be fighting strong. He’s been aware of it long enough to time his weight loss right, and after taking his body through pain for the last time, he expects to feel like a different man at UFC 261.

“I’m not going to lose 20 pounds in six days, mostly water,” Masvidal said Tuesday at an ESPN + Q&A hosted by Laura Sanko. ‘The way I stand now, I’ll be eight, nine pounds before I hit the 170 mark. So it’s a totally different weight loss. I think that will be the most important determining factor. “

Masvidal kept his planned tactic for Usman close to the vest. He struggled to fend off the champion’s clinching work in a unanimous decision loss at UFC 251, but this time vowing to turn the tables and get his hand raised.

However, that won’t be the last of his encounters with Usman. Masvidal is already thinking about a trilogy fight, because the last thing he wants is for his rival to be able to call things equal.

“If I win the rematch, we will definitely go for the trilogy, because I will not go into history 1-1 with this person,” said Masvidal. “It’s just not going to happen.”

Masvidal’s rise to his first UFC title shot came through a Fight of the Year worthy campaign in 2019. It was a somewhat surprising rise from a championship fight after more than 14 years in the sport, but it didn’t turn out like he wanted. .

He largely thinks it’s because of the circumstances, but this time there are “no excuses.” Masvidal expects his crowning to finally come true and said it will make him feel complete.

“How does it feel to win that belt?” Masvidal said. “Everything. Everything I’ve put into this sport. I’m going to get the kind of sleep I want at night when I have that belt, so let’s go.

Source