Jorge Masvidal, crowned in November as the ‘baddest motherf*cker’ in the UFC by virtue of a doctor stoppage win against Nate Diaz inside Madison Square Garden, is a legitimate mixed martial arts champion says former pro turned analyst Chael Sonnen.
Sonnen made the comment on his popular YouTube channel in relation to the ‘BMF’ title which UFC boss Dana White has stated was intended to be a one-shot deal, reiterating so during a recent interview with ESPN, but his body language — in this reporter’s judgement at least — seemed to suggest that his mind could be swayed, perhaps given Conor McGregor’s maintaining that he is the belt’s true and rightful owner.
If it makes dollars, it makes sense etc.
“Many people act as though Jorge Masvidal isn’t a champion,” Sonnen said (h/t BJPenn.com). “Yes he is. 100%, he is a champion. If Conor sees that, and now Conor is adding credibility to that premise by saying you’ve got a belt and I want it, well, that’s why you have a belt, guys.
“Yes he is. 100%, he is a champion. If Conor sees that, and now Conor is adding credibility to that premise by saying you’ve got a belt and I want it, well, that’s why you have a belt, guys.”
McGregor’s next octagon assignment comes in matter of days when he takes on Donald Cerrone in the UFC 246 headliner from Las Vegas in a bout which will take place at 170 pounds. White has already said that if he is to win, McGregor will be next in line for a title shot following April’s title bout between Khabib Nurmagomedov and Tony Ferguson.
After that? Ramadan would delay the Russian fighter (should he defeat Ferguson) from competing, potentially leaving a gap in the Dubliner’s diary for a another ‘BMF’ showdown.
“Masvidal’s got that, and Conor wants it,” Sonnen added. “It adds credibility. It does frustrate me anytime someone says ‘Masvidal deserves a title shot.’ OK great. Masvidal has a title. Please don’t forget that. [People say] ‘Well Masvidal shouldn’t be in such a big fight…Why does everyone keep saying that.’ Because he’s the champion. Masvidal is a champion. That just really pisses people off. It makes people upset, and it creates envy and jealousy. It still happened. It’s still reality. Jorge Masvidal is the BMF champion with a belt to prove it. We need to establish that.”
