Jorge Masvidal, a name that resonates deeply within the Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) community, has had a career marked by highs and lows. With a professional record of 35 wins and 17 losses, his journey has seen him evolve from an underdog to a household name in the UFC. Following his retirement at UFC 287 in April 2023, after suffering a fourth consecutive defeat to Gilbert Burns, many fans wondered if they had seen the last of “Gamebred” in the octagon. However, indications of his desire for a comeback have sparked conversations about his future in the sport.
Despite officially stepping back from MMA, Masvidal’s competitive spirit seems alive and well. In a recent interview on Bo Nickal’s YouTube channel, he shared his eagerness to return to the UFC as early as March 2025, indicating that he would be prepared to compete in Miami if events align. His words, filled with bravado, signal an undiminished fire within him: “If they go to Miami, I’m going to f*ck somebody up in Miami.” Here, Masvidal captures the tenacity that fans have admired, but the path to a comeback is fraught with skepticism.
Roadblocks Ahead
However, the enthusiasm expressed by Masvidal confronts the pragmatic viewpoint of UFC CEO Dana White, who recently indicated that he is not optimistic about the return of both Masvidal and fellow fighter Tyron Woodley to the UFC fold. This raises important questions about Masvidal’s ability to re-establish himself in a rapidly changing landscape of the UFC. The sport evolves faster than one can recover, especially after a long layoff, which could hinder his chances of success in a comeback bid.
During his hiatus from MMA, Masvidal capitalized on the opportunity to let his body recuperate. Though he engaged in a boxing match against Nate Diaz—losing by majority decision—his training regimen was not as grueling as one would expect from an elite athlete preparing for MMA bouts. He recognizes the toll that MMA takes on an athlete: “There’s nothing more f*cking demanding in this world, sport-wise, than MMA.” By taking this time to rest, Masvidal may come back rejuvenated and injury-free, yet there is an undeniable gap that arises from not fully immersing himself in the demanding nature of MMA training, such as grappling and conditioning.
As Jorge Masvidal eyes a potential return, his narrative is one of ambition mixed with uncertainty. While his desire to compete again is commendable and reflects the passion of a dedicated athlete, the considerable hurdles in front of him cannot be overlooked. The increased competition within the UFC, along with doubts from management, create a complex backdrop for any possible comeback. Whether Masvidal can channel his energy and experience to carve out a new chapter remains to be seen, but his intentions alone set the stage for what could be a compelling resurgence in the arena of MMA.