Former UFC welterweight title contender Jorge Masvidal is leaving his rivalry with Ben Askren in the cage.

The two fighters combined for perhaps the most memorable knockout in UFC history in July 2019, when their long-awaited grudge match ended just five seconds after it began courtesy of a Masvidal flying knee KO.

But now, six years later, Masvidal has left the bad blood behind following Askren’s recent health issues, which saw him receive a double lung transplant after first contracting a staph infection, and then a particularly aggressive form of pneumonia.

And in a video message posted to social media, Masvidal said that he is hopeful that one day soon he will get to shake his old rival’s hand.

“What’s up, my brother?” Masvidal said, addressing Askren.

“I know we were rivals in the ring. I just want to say, God bless you. And when I get back in America, if I can come shake your hand, brother, and just say a prayer with you, it will be amazing, man.”

Askren spoke publicly for the first time in his own message posted to social media, in which he detailed the impact of the infection, pneumonia and subsequent transplant – saying that he had little memory of the previous several weeks, but added that he was particularly thankful for the outpouring of support he had received throughout his illness.

“I know you’re going to pull through this because you’re a f*cking warrior, brother,” Masvidal added in his message.

“God bless. Your story is crazy inspirational, what you’re going through right now. God bless you, and I’m hoping to get back and just be able to shake your hand.

“I hope all is well, brother.”