UFC superstar Jorge Masvidal to challenge the welterweight champion Kamaru Usman for the second time on April 24
When the world of sports was hit hard by the devastating effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, two mixed martial arts (MMA) fighters went against all odds to prove their toughness and pave the way towards sports greatness and legacy.
Such is the story of the UFC welterweight champion Kamaru Usman and title challenger Jorge “Gamebred” Masvidal who fought each other in the newly established “Fight Island” in Abu Dhabi amid the uncertainties of the pandemic last July.
Despite the hard work put in by both fighters, many take issue with Usman winning by unanimous decision, claiming that the fight has to be re-run between the two as Masvidal accepted the fight on short notice.
The dispute will finally be put to an end as these titans will face each other for the second time on April 24 in Jacksonville, Florida, with the VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena hosting fans in full capacity for the first time since the pandemic.
In July 2020, Usman was already in fighting shape when his anticipated opponent Gilbert Burns tested positive for COVID-19. With Masvidal’s proven success in the UFC and eagerness to fight for the championship belt, it was no surprise that the organization asked him to serve as a substitute only six days before the scheduled fight. From Usman having to readjust his fighting strategy on such short notice to Masvidal having to lose 20 pounds in less than a week, both fighters had to deal with unmeasurable pressure before their scheduled fight. Yet, the fight itself was a display of heart, talent, and perseverance.
Usman’s forte in wrestling has always allowed him to exert dominance even in unfamiliar situations, which is exactly how matters were in the first face off against Masvidal. The successful takedown attempts prevented Masvidal from establishing proper striking range for the most part, normally essential for Gamebred’s masterful boxing style. Masvidal’s constant effort to defend against the takedowns, in addition to his extreme weight loss and jet lag, further contributed to the depletion of his gas tank. Nonetheless, the fact that the fight lasted the full 25 minutes shows that each fighter was able to keep his opponent on his toes, so the rematch is “super necessary,” as Masvidal likes to say.
Nine months have passed since that first fight. This time, Masvidal has had more than enough time to properly prepare for Usman. This rematch has been his priority, so he has not fought any other opponents since the last fight in order to concentrate on this particular training camp. Meanwhile, Usman has been in constant training since July and has even fought another contender in February. The mindset of neither man has changed, however, as the back-and-forth trash talk between the two has been ongoing. Both are equally confident that they can get the job done with no questions this time.
But what can we anticipate on fight night? Usman is an outstanding wrestler with a mind of steel who has shown the world through and through that he can always overcome the hardest circumstances despite exhaustion and injuries. Masvidal is no man to underestimate either, as Gamebred is a former street fighter who is not hesitant to get ruthless with opponents and push himself to the limit when needed.
On April 24, expect nothing but fireworks; it will be a pure demonstration of entertainment, MMA goodness, and – most importantly – true heart put on the line. This fight will give us tangible evidence that pain is temporary and legacy is forever.
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