“I was so f**king offended” – Dan Hooker on hearing his management asked UFC for Tony Ferguson fight
UFC lightweight contender Dan Hooker recently claimed that his management ticked him off when they approached the UFC for a Tony Ferguson fight. The New Zealander also explained the reason behind his annoyance and outlined how he has his sights firmly set on facing top contenders at this point in his career. Ferguson is arguably one of the UFC’s most well-known lightweight fighters, and many fans fondly remember ‘El Cucuy’s incredible 12-fight win streak that began in October 2013 and ended in May 2020. However, Ferguson has hit a slump over the past few years and hasn’t recouped. He is currently on a five-fight losing slide, with fans urging the 39-year-old to call it a career. In a recent interview with Submission Radio, Dan Hooker cited Tony Ferguson’s proximity to retirement and explained why being offered ‘El Cucuy’ as an opponent was unacceptable to him. He recalled a conversation with his manager and said: “My manager asked, “What about this guy?” Like a top contender. I was like, “I’ll miss his a**. What about this guy?” He replied, “Oh, they asked for Tony Ferguson… I was so f**king offended… That sparked me… That’s not what I want to be. That’s not what I’m here for. I’m here to be the best. To challenge myself against the best guys in the world.” Meanwhile, Dan Hooker is set to face Jalin Turner in a lightweight contest at UFC 290 on July 8. ‘The Hangman’ is coming off a second-round TKO win over Claudio Puelles at UFC 281, which snapped his two-fight losing slide. He is currently 2-3 in his last five outings. Dan Hooker outlines what Jalin Turner fight at UFC 290 means to him Ahead of his next assignment against Jalin Turner at UFC 290, Dan Hooker took a moment to reflect on his career and how important his next fight was. After losing back-to-back fights against Islam Makhachev and Arnold Allen, Hooker put on an incredible performance against Claudio Puelles to get back in the win column. Having gone 2-3 in his last five outings, ‘The Hangman’ is desperately looking for a statement win on July 8 to get back into the lightweight division’s top-contender conversation. In a recent interview on his City Kickboxing teammate Israel Adesanya’s YouTube channel, Dan Hooker discussed what the Jalin Turner fight meant to him and his thoughts on ‘The Tarantula’ as a fighter. He said: “I feel like this fight is a true tipping point. I’ve got a bit of a chip… It’s time to go in there and prove I belong with the best guys. That’s this fight for me. It’s to go out and prove that I have the potential to win a world title… And Jalin Turner is one of the best. I want to fight him because he’s one of the very best fighters… That makes me excited.”
Bo Nickal reportedly searching for new opponent for UFC 290 as Tresean Gore suffers injury
The main card for this weekend’s UFC 290 pay-per-view event has suffered a significant setback. While the event was set to feature a highly anticipated welterweight bout between grappling phenom Bo Nickal and Tresean Gore, the UFC is now desperate to find ‘The Allen Assassin’ another opponent after Gore was forced to pull out of the bout due to injury. MMA journalist Ariel Helwani recently took to Twitter to announce the news and stated that the UFC is actively working to keep Nickal on the blockbuster International Fight Week card by searching for a new opponent for him. Helwani wrote: “Bo Nickal is in need of a new opponent for this weekend’s UFC 290 card, sources say. His opponent Tresean Gore is out due to injury. UFC is working on keeping Nickal on the card, I’m told. Hoping to finalize a new bout today.” Bo Nickal is currently undefeated as a professional mixed martial artist and has a perfect record of 4-0. The three-time NCAA Division 1 champion last faced Jamie Pickett at UFC 285 and secured an incredible first-round submission via an arm triangle choke. Meanwhile, Gore currently has a less-than-impressive promotional record of 1-2 but the 28-year-old last beat Josh Fremd via an impressive second-round submission at UFC Fight Night 213. What other changes has UFC 290 undergone? Bo Nickal vs. Tresean Gore isn’t the only matchup that has been scrapped from the UFC 290 lineup. Last week, another highly anticipated welterweight bout between top-ranked fighters Jack Della Maddalena and Sean Brady was canceled after Brady was forced to pull out due to a Staph infection. While UFC veteran Kevin Holland initially offered to take the fight against Della Maddalena at UFC 290 on short notice, the promotion decided to give the opportunity to newcomer Josiah Harrell instead. The 24-year-old debutant is an undefeated prospect with a professional record of 7-0, all of his wins coming by way of a finish. Harrell recently went viral after clips of him slamming his last opponent Mike Roberts through the octagon door spread on social media. With his incredible power, ‘Muscle Hamster’ shot a well-time double-legged takedown that sent Roberts crashing out of the octagon. UFC 290 is set to go down on July 8, during the UFC’s International Fight Week, and is set to be headlined by a featherweight title bout between Alexander Volkanovski and Yair Rodriguez, while the co-main event will feature Brandon Moreno defending his flyweight title against Alexandre Pantoja.
Michael Bisping’s Title Reign: All the Details
Michael Bisping is among the most well-known personalities in mixed martial arts, and the former UFC middleweight champion is known for his relentless pressure, crisp striking, and excellent conditioning. This article closely examines the Englishman’s title reign, highlighting the number of successful title defenses, notable opponents, and legacy. Michael Bisping’s UFC title reign in the middleweight division began in June 2016 after he defeated Luke Rockhold at UFC 199 via first-round TKO to secure one of the most stunning upsets in promotional history. Despite losing two title eliminators against Dan Henderson and Chael Sonnen early on, Bisping’s unwavering determination kept him pushing forward. Notable Opponents Michael Bisping faced several world-class opponents to solidify his status as one of the best middleweight champions in the UFC. Here are some of his most notable opponents: Dan Henderson: Michael Bisping faced Dan Henderson twice in his career. After losing the first bout against the American via second-round knockout at UFC 100 in July 2009, Bisping redeemed his loss over seven years later at UFC 204 in October 2016. In their second outing, Michael Bisping successfully defended his middleweight title for the first time. ‘The Count’s legendary conditioning helped him secure a unanimous decision after five hard rounds. He held on to his middleweight crown and secured the ‘Fight of the Night’ bonus as well. Anderson Silva: Michael Bisping and Anderson Silva faced off at UFC Fight Night 84 in February 2016 in one of the most memorable bouts in UFC middleweight history. The highly competitive fight saw Silva displaying his trademark striking style, with Bisping showcasing his relentless forward pressure and stand-up game. Despite being dropped by a brutal flying knee at the end of the third round, Bisping rallied to win the fight via unanimous decision. Georges St-Pierre: Michael Bisping faced Georges St-Pierre at UFC 217 in November 2017 in New York City. As the reigning middleweight champion, Bisping attempted to defend his title against a fighter widely considered among the greatest fighters of all time. The two fighters brought fireworks to the octagon, and Bisping displayed his incredible striking and aggression. However, St-Pierre’s legendary grappling helped the Canadian fighter to win the bout via third-round submission. St-Pierre became the new UFC middleweight champion. Legacy Michael Bisping is one of the most inspirational fighters ever to become a champion in the UFC. Michael Bisping’s career is a testament to the warrior spirit, showcasing his unwavering perseverance, determination, and refusal to give up. His accomplishments inside and outside the cage and his outspoken nature have secured his place as one of the most respected and influential fighters in the history of MMA. Conclusion Michael Bisping became the UFC middleweight champion after defeating Luke Rockhold at UFC 199 in June 2016 and went on to defend his title once against Dan Henderson. He held on to his title for over a year until faced Georges St-Pierre took it off him at UFC 217 in November 2017. After facing many notable opponents during his career, Bisping transitioned to broadcast duties and remains a widely beloved figure in MMA.
Michael Bisping’s UFC Career: All the Details
Michael Bisping is among the most well-known fighters in mixed martial arts, and the former UFC middleweight champion is widely considered one of the most highly accomplished British fighters of all time. This article looks closer at Bisping’s career in the UFC, his first fight, notable opponents, and his impact on the sport. Michael Bisping’s UFC Debut After making his professional MMA debut in April 2004, Michael Bisping fought across multiple promotions and found considerable success in the British MMA circuit. In April 2006, ‘The Count’ was a contestant in the third installment of The Ultimate Fighter (TUF) reality show. He went on to win the show’s light heavyweight finals by finishing Josh Haynes via TKO in the second round. Bisping made his official UFC debut against Eric Schafer at UFC 66 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in December 2006 in Las Vegas. The light heavyweight contest was slated for the preliminary card and didn’t last too long. ‘The Count’ dominated the fight with his superior stand-up game and secured a statement knockout in just 1:27 mins of the first round. Notable Opponents During his long and illustrious career, Michael Bisping fought numerous notable opponents. Here are some of the most noteworthy fighters he faced: Georges St-Pierre: Michael Bisping faced Georges St-Pierre at UFC 217 in November 2017 in New York City. As the reigning middleweight champion, Bisping attempted to defend his title against the mercurial Canadian fighter, who had been on a four-year-long hiatus from the sport. The fight was an intense back-and-forth battle, with ‘The Count’ displaying his striking skills and aggression. However, ‘Rush’s grappling expertise proved too much for Bisping, and he lost the fight via third-round submission. St-Pierre became the new UFC middleweight champion. Luke Rockhold: Michael Bisping faced Luke Rockhold twice in his career. In their first encounter at UFC Fight Night 55 in November 2014, Bisping showcased his excellent striking and caught Rockhold clean several times. However, Rockhold managed to capitalize on a brutal head kick in the second round before submitting the Englishman via one-armed guillotine to secure a victory. In their second meeting at UFC 199 in June 2016, Bisping faced the interim middleweight champion on short notice. Bisping utilized his excellent striking in the first round and secured a first-round KO to become the UFC middleweight champion. Vitor Belfort: Michael Bisping fought Vitor Belfort at UFC on FX 7 in January 2013. The fight marked a turning point in the Englishman’s life. Belfort caught Bisping with a nasty head kick followed by brutal punches to win the fight via second-round TKO. However, the leg kick hurt Michael Bisping’s right eye causing a detached retina. While Bisping underwent surgery to repair the injury, the damage was done. Chael Sonnen: Michael Bisping faced Chael Sonnen at UFC on Fox 2 in January 2012 in a middleweight title eliminator. The fight was highly intensive, and Sonnen displayed his superior wrestling pedigree to control most of the fight. After three rounds of action, Chael Sonnen was awarded the unanimous decision victory. Legacy Michael Bisping has one of the UFC’s most fairytale stories, and the Englishman is a testament to the power of unwavering determination and resilience. From winning The Ultimate Fighter to becoming the middleweight champion, Bisping’s journey has captivated fans and inspired countless aspiring fighters. Conclusion Michael Bisping began his UFC journey by winning The Ultimate Fighter before making a statement at his official debut. He consistently faced world-class opponents and seamlessly transitioned into a successful career as a commentator, analyst, and podcaster after retiring. His remarkable achievements, combined with his magnetic personality and outspoken nature, have secured his place in the annals of MMA history.
When was Daniel Cormier’s last UFC fight?
Daniel Cormier is undoubtedly among the greatest fighters to ever compete in mixed martial arts. The Louisiana native is widely known for captaining the 2008 American Olympic Wrestling team and being a simultaneous two-division champion in the UFC. After a storied career spanning over seven years in the world’s biggest MMA promotion, Daniel Cormier announced his retirement in August 2020. This article closely examines his last fight, his opponent, and the legacy he left behind in the UFC. Daniel Cormier’s Last Fight After Stipe Miocic knocked Daniel Cormier out in the fourth round of their second meeting at UFC 241 to reclaim the heavyweight title, ‘DC’ was given the opportunity to redeem himself almost exactly a year later. Cormier fought Miocic in their trilogy fight at UFC 252 at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas in August 2020. The two legendary heavyweights put on a show for the fans as they slugged it out for a full five rounds, showcasing their skills and determination. The fight primarily took place on the feet, with Daniel Cormier and Stipe Miocic exchanging brutal punches, hard kicks, and clinical clinch work. Their wrestling pedigree was on full display in their grappling exchanges against the cage. At the end of the fifth round, Miocic emerged victorious via unanimous decision and retained his heavyweight title. Daniel Cormier used the post-fight octagon interview to announce his retirement from the sport. He left the UFC with a professional record of 22-3. His Legacy While his retirement left a void in the heavyweight division, his impact on the sport and his legacy as a two-division champion and respected ambassador of MMA remains intact. Beyond his fighting career, Cormier continues his journey with the UFC as a commentator and analyst. His ability to connect with fans, commentators, and fellow athletes endeared him to a wide audience, making him one of the most beloved figures in MMA. Conclusion From his humble beginnings to becoming a two-division UFC champion, Daniel Cormier’s journey is a testament to his extraordinary talent, sportsmanship, and immense popularity among fans worldwide. While his impact on the sport extends far beyond his octagon achievements, he also embodies the essence of a true sportsman, displaying integrity, charisma, and genuine humility. He continues to be one of the most beloved fighters in MMA.
Daniel Cormier’s Title Reign: All the details
Daniel Cormier is widely known as one of the most dominant fighters in MMA and one of the UFC’s greatest champions ever. Daniel Cormier’s legendary title reign in the UFC spanned two weight classes – Heavyweight and Light Heavyweight. This article closely examines Cormier’s incredible title run, notable opponents, and the significance of his accomplishments in the sport. Daniel Cormier’s Title History Daniel Cormier first achieved champion status when he won the vacant light heavyweight title against Anthony Johnson at UFC 187 in May 2015. ’DC’ defeated the deadly knockout artist via third-round submission to be crowned champion. Cormier defended his light heavyweight title thrice before vacating it in December 2018. Daniel Cormier won his second title in the heavyweight division after beating Stipe Miocic in a surprise upset at UFC 226 in July 2018. He defended the heavyweight crown once against Derrick Lewis before Miocic reclaimed it via fourth-round knockout at UFC 241. Notable Opponents Daniel Cormier faced several world-class opponents during his time as a UFC champion. Here are some notable opponents that Cormier faced during his title reign: Jon Jones: The intense rivalry between Daniel Cormier and Jon Jones is widely considered the UFC’s most legendary feud. The two MMA juggernauts faced off twice as light heavyweights in their careers, with ‘Bones’ winning their first contest at UFC 182 via unanimous decision. Jones reclaimed the light heavyweight title in their second meeting at UFC 214 via knockout but had his victory overturned into a no-contest due to a steroid violation. Anthony Johnson: Daniel Cormier fought Anthony Johnson twice in his career. ‘DC’ and Johnson went head-to-head for the first time at UFC 187 in May 2015, with both fighters vying for the light heavyweight title left vacant by Jon Jones. In the fight, Cormier relied on his wrestling skills to secure a third-round submission to become the light heavyweight champion. In their second outing at UFC 210, Cormier once again submitted the Arkansas native to defend his light heavyweight title. Alexander Gustaffson: The fight between Daniel Cormier and Alexander Gustafsson will forever be remembered as a classic encounter in the light heavyweight division. Gustafsson challenged Cormier for the title at UFC 192 in October 2015 and posed a significant challenge to ‘DC,’ thanks to his exceptional striking and height advantage. While their epic five-round fight was a back-and-forth battle, Cormier’s wrestling pedigree proved too much to Gustafsson. His relentless wrestling helped him secure takedowns and maintain top control as he ultimately won via unanimous decision. Legacy Daniel Cormier is undoubtedly among the UFC’s greatest fighters ever, and the former two-division champion is a certified legend. Cormier displayed excellent striking skills as a fighter apart from his untouchable wrestling. His ability to seamlessly transition between striking and grappling made him one of the most dangerous fighters in the sport. Daniel Cormier was also inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame in June 2022. Conclusion Daniel Cormier’s legacy extends far beyond his championship titles and accolades. The Louisiana native will always be remembered as a true ambassador for the sport, a role model for aspiring fighters, and a beloved figure in the MMA community.
Daniel Cormier’s UFC career: All the details
Daniel Cormier is widely regarded as one of the greatest mixed martial artists in the history of MMA. The highly accomplished athlete is also the second champion to hold two titles simultaneously in the UFC. This article takes a closer look at Cormier’s UFC debut, notable opponents, and legacy. Daniel Cormier’s UFC Debut After graduating from college, Daniel Cormier enjoyed a successful run as a freestyle wrestler and was even named captain of the American Olympic Wrestling team in 2008. After the 2008 Olympics, ‘DC’ transitioned to MMA and made his professional debut in September 2009. Daniel Cormier made his UFC debut against Frank Mir in a heavyweight contest at UFC on Fox 7 in San Jose in April 2013. Cormier put on a wrestling clinic and controlled the fight with his relentless grappling skills. At the end of three rounds, he won the fight via unanimous decision to announce his arrival in the promotion. Daniel Cormier faced many world-class opponents during his time in the UFC, and the former two-division champion featured in some of the UFC’s most unforgettable bouts. Daniel Cormier’s Most Notable Opponents Jon Jones: The rivalry between Daniel Cormier and Jon Jones is legendary and arguably remains the most fierce feud in UFC history. The two men faced off twice as light heavyweights in their careers, with ‘Bones’ winning their first contest and having his second KO victory over Cormier overturned into a no-contest due to a steroid violation. The build-up to their bouts was defined by personal insults, vile tirades, and even death threats. Jones and Cormier infamously brawled during a face-off before their first meeting in 2015. Stipe Miocic: Daniel Cormier and Stipe Miocic shared an epic rivalry in the UFC heavyweight division. The two MMA legends faced each other three times in their UFC careers, with the heavyweight title on the line each time. ‘DC’ challenged Miocic for the undisputed UFC heavyweight title for the first time at UFC 226 in July 2018. In a stunning upset, Cormier secured a first-round knockout against Miocic to become a simultaneous two-division champion. Daniel Cormier already held the light heavyweight title at the time. Stipe Miocic later reclaimed his heavyweight crown at UFC 241 by knocking Cormier out in the fourth round and then defended it by defeating ‘DC’ for the second time via unanimous decision at UFC 252. Anderson Silva: Widely considered among the greatest martial artists of all time, Anderson Silva fought Daniel Cormier in a light heavyweight bout at UFC 200. The Louisiana native used his wrestling and grappling prowess to control the fight on the ground through all three rounds to defeat the Brazilian legend via unanimous decision. Anthony Johnson: Daniel Cormier fought Anthony Johnson twice in his career. Known for being a proficient knockout artist, ‘Rumble’s devastating power posed a significant challenge to Cormier. Daniel Cormier faced Anthony Johnson for the first time at UFC 187, where ‘DC’s wrestling pedigree helped him secure a third-round submission to win the vacant light heavyweight title. In their second outing at UFC 210, Cormier once again submitted the Arkansas native to defend his light heavyweight title. Legacy Daniel Cormier spent over seven years in the UFC, establishing himself as a true legend of the sport. Among his defining accomplishments, his champion status in two weight classes certainly takes the cake, as he simultaneously held the light heavyweight and heavyweight titles. Cormier remains one of the most popular UFC fighters ever. Conclusion It is undeniable that Daniel Cormier has significantly impacted the sport of MMA. His impressive achievements, exceptional skills, and admirable conduct inside and outside the octagon have rightfully earned him a place among the all-time greats. His legacy will continue to inspire future generations of fighters, ensuring his lasting influence on the sport for years to come.
When did Jorge Masvidal leave the UFC?
Jorge Masvidal is undoubtedly one of the most popular and well-known fighters to have ever graced the UFC octagon. This article looks closer at when Masvidal retired, his last fight, the opponent, and his legacy. After almost two decades of actively competing in MMA, Jorge Masvidal announced his decision to hang his gloves up for good after his last fight at UFC 287 on April 8, 2023. The Miami native retired with an incredible record of 35 wins and 17 losses. Jorge Masvidal’s Last Fight In the last fight of his MMA career, Jorge Masvidal was booked to face Gilbert Burns at UFC 287 in April 2023. On fight day, Masvidal started the fight strong and used some early jitters from Burns to target the Brazilian’s legs. However, as the fight progressed, ‘Durinho’ started letting his punches fly and routinely connected with Masvidal’s chin with his right hand. Gilbert Burns also scored the first takedown of the fight at the end of the opening round and exchanged punches with Masvidal on the ground till the bell rang. Burns continued to control the fight with his grappling skills and hurt Jorge Masvidal badly in the final round by throwing some impressive combos. ‘Gamebred’ proved his durability by toughing it out for 15 minutes and occasionally returned fire to hurt Burns on the counter. Gilbert Burns ultimately emerged victorious via a unanimous decision. Jorge Masvidal used the post-fight octagon interview to announce his retirement from the sport and gave an emotional speech to bid farewell to the UFC and his fans. ‘Gamebred’ later revealed that his decision to retire was influenced by Burns handing him his fourth straight loss and the fact that he felt like he lost a bit of a step in training. Legacy Jorge Masvidal is undeniably one of the most inspiring fighters that have competed in MMA and will undoubtedly be remembered as one of the UFC’s biggest stars. He consistently faced the welterweight division’s top-ranked fighters and never allowed defeat to define him. During his time in the UFC, the Miami native won the ‘BMF’ title against Nate Diaz and set the record for the fastest knockout in promotional history against Ben Askren. Conclusion From his humble beginnings in the streets of Miami to the bright lights of the UFC, ‘Gamebred’ has faced adversity head-on, refusing to be defined by his circumstances. Masvidal will always be known for his exciting fighting style, technical striking, and ability to entertain fans inside and outside the cage.
Jorge Masvidal’s UFC Career: All the details
Jorge Masvidal is among the most popular fighters ever to grace the UFC octagon, and his journey in the world’s biggest MMA promotion was nothing short of incredible. This article closely examines Masvidal’s historic UFC debut, notable opponents, and legacy. Jorge Masvidal’s UFC Debut Jorge Masvidal made his official UFC debut in April 2013, almost ten years and 30 fights after his professional debut in May 2003. ‘Gamebred’ was matched up against fellow MMA veteran Time Means in a lightweight contest at UFC on Fox 7 in San Jose, California. He ultimately outpointed Means to win the fight via unanimous decision. Notable Opponents Jorge Masvidal has had a remarkable career in the UFC, where he faced numerous world-class opponents in some of the most unforgettable matches in the promotion’s history. Here are some of Masvidal’s most notable opponents: Nate Diaz: While Jorge Masvidal has featured in several high-profile bouts throughout his career, perhaps none were as professionally significant as his iconic ‘BMF’ (Baddest Motherf***er) title fight against Nate Diaz. The fight headlined the UFC 244 event at Madison Square Garden in New York. While the ‘BMF’ belt signified a symbolic championship, Masvidal and Diaz put on a show for the fans, who were excited to see the two highly-skilled brawlers go head-to-head. In the fight, Diaz’s legendary durability played its part, but Masvidal’s elbows and knees ended up opening a gash right above the Stockton native’s right eye, which ended the contest just before the fourth round began. Masvidal defeated Nate Diaz via TKO to take home the black and gunmetal-grey BMF belt. Kamaru Usman: Perhaps one of Jorge Masvidal’s most fierce rivals in the UFC, former welterweight champion Kamaru Usman defended his title against the Miami native twice. Fresh off winning the ‘BMF’ title against Nate Diaz, ‘Gamebred’ challenged Kamaru Usman for the first time in a title fight at UFC 251 in July 2020. Masvidal failed to mount a significant offense against Usman despite his best efforts, who controlled the fight with his superior grappling and clinch work. ‘Gamebred’ lost the fight via unanimous decision. The two were booked for an immediate rematch at UFC 261, where ‘The Nigerian Nightmare’ secured a second-round knockout victory to win both his fights against Jorge Masvidal. Ben Askren: Jorge Masvidal’s fight against Ben Askren at UFC 239 in July 2019 was one for the books. On fight day, as the opening bell rang, Jorge Masvidal burst out of the gate with an explosive flying knee that put Ben Askren’s lights out in just 5 seconds. The lightning-quick finish went down as the fastest knockout in UFC history. Jorge Masvidal’s Legacy Jorge Masvidal’s storied career in the UFC cemented his status as a legend of the promotion. While his journey was marked with memorable in-octagon moments, such as becoming the ‘BMF’ champion and setting the UFC’s fastest knockout record, his charisma and authentic personality outside the octagon truly made him a fan favorite. ‘Gamebred’ retired from MMA with a record of 35-17 after losing his fourth straight fight against Gilbert Burns at UFC 287. Conclusion Jorge Masvidal made his UFC debut in April 2013 and spent over ten years solidifying his MMA legacy in the promotion. He consistently fought top-ranked opponents in the welterweight division and is widely known as one of the most iconic welterweights in UFC history.
When did Jorge Masvidal make his UFC debut?
Jorge Masvidal is undoubtedly among the UFC’s biggest superstars, and his charisma, exciting fighting style, and authentic personality enthralled MMA fans for over a decade. This article delves into the moment when Masvidal stepped into the octagon for the first time, highlighting the event, opponent, and his impact on MMA. Jorge Masvidal’s UFC Arrival Jorge Masvidal made his UFC debut almost ten years after his professional debut at HOOKnSHOOT: Absolute Fighting Championships XII in May 2003. Following his professional debut, Miami native fought across various promotions like Bellator and Strikeforce. Following the dismantling of Strikeforce in January 2013, Masvidal was among the fighters absorbed into the UFC. Jorge Masvidal made his UFC debut against Tim Means in a lightweight contest at UFC on Fox: Henderson vs. Melendez on April 20, 2013. The Historic Fight Going into his maiden UFC fight, Jorge Masvidal already had 30 fights under his belt and had fought for a major title, having previously challenged Gilbert Melendez for Strikeforce lightweight belt. While fellow MMA veteran Tim Means was no easy challenge, Masvidal showcased his incredible technical skills and experience in the fight. ‘Gamebred’ dominated his opponent with his striking and grappling skills, controlling the fight throughout all three rounds. Relying on his exceptionally technical stand-up skills, Jorge Masvidal outpointed Tim Means to win via unanimous decision. The victory marked the beginning of Masvidal’s incredible journey in the promotion and his subsequent rise to stardom in the welterweight division. Aftermath and Legacy Jorge Masvidal’s UFC debut was a significant moment in his storied career as a mixed martial artist. He quickly rose through the ranks of the welterweight division after spending two years as a lightweight and even challenged Kamaru Usman twice for the UFC welterweight title between 2020-2021. While he never became the UFC’s undisputed welterweight king, Jorge Masvidal fought numerous notable opponents such as Nate Diaz, Donald Cerrone, Kamaru Usman, Demian Maia, and Colby Covington. Masvidal also set the record for the fastest knockout in UFC history when he extraordinarily knocked Ben Askren out in 5 seconds flat at UFC 239. With a record of 35-17, Jorge Masvidal announced his retirement in April 2023 after losing his fourth consecutive fight against Gilbert Burns at UFC 287. Conclusion Jorge Masvidal is among the UFC’s greatest stars and made his promotional debut in April 2013. ‘Gamebred’ went on to become one of the most commercially successful MMA fighters ever, thanks to his charismatic and outspoken personality. The Miami native remains a massive fan-favorite combat sports personality.