Jorge Masvidal hasn’t won a fight in nearly four years, but even that isn’t enough to entertain a potential fight with lightweight contender Michael Chandler in 2023.
Masvidal (35-16) was called out by Chandler (23-8) who would move up to welterweight for the fight. Chandler is coming off a submission loss to Dustin Poirier at UFC 281 but has gained a strong fan following for his action-heavy style and blatant disregard for defense.
Like Masvidal, Chandler is trying to land a significant fight despite going 2-3 since joining the UFC in 2021.
“Gamebred” dismissed Chandler in a recent interview with MMA Fighting, citing the size difference between them and the fact he’d be expected to win a non-competitive affair.
“I saw him fight my boy Will Brooks, and Will Brooks hit that motherf***** so hard he just quit in the middle of the [fight],” said Masvidal, referencing Chandler’s 2014 stoppage loss.
“I don’t see any risk-reward with this fight. Me killing this guy doesn’t do anything for me, or my career, so I really don’t care about it. He’s not really a pay-per-view seller either. I’m not saying I won’t entertain it in the future, but to actually say there will be a whole event [built around] it, or whatever he’s plotting in his head? Nah, probably not, bro.”
With Masvidal’s rejection of Chandler and a back-and-forth shouting match with Gilbert Burns going nowhere, there is no guess as to who is worthy enough for the skidding Masvidal. Masvidal is looking for a major fight or another title shot after being dominated twice by ex-champ Kamaru Usman, then losing a lopsided decision to Colby Covington at UFC 272.
Before challenging Usman, Masvidal had to pull out of a fight with Leon Edwards with an undisclosed injury. Edwards would dethrone Usman at UFC 278. While he isn’t clear on who he will fight, Masvidal aims to make his 2023 return on the same card as Edward’s first title defense.
Contrary to Masvidal’s opinion, a fight with Chandler would do more good than harm if a title shot is what he’s looking for. Whether they fought at welterweight or a catchweight, Masvidal would be a tremendous favorite and there would be a huge amount of interest in a potential “Fight of the Year” contender.
As it stands, for now, Masvidal is facing off against Covington again, but not just in the octagon. He is set to appear for trial this February for assaulting Covington outside a Miami steakhouse just 17 days after their grudge match.
