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It seems the allure of combat sports is too strong for Jorge Masvidal to resist, even in retirement. The former BMF champion, known for his explosive fighting style and remarkable knockout victories, has expressed a keen interest in stepping back into the ring for a rematch with his old foe, Ben Askren.
Following his retirement from the UFC after a four-fight losing streak, Masvidal has focused on Gamebred Bareknuckle MMA. However, the 38-year-old fighter has hinted that a return to striking arts like boxing would be more tempting, especially if it means facing someone he has a history with.
In a recent interview with TMZ Sports, Masvidal revealed:
"I don't plan on fighting anybody any time soon, but maybe like in a boxing match, I'd come out and just smack Nate [Diaz] up later on in life or something like that. Maybe me and Jake [Paul], something in the future, I don't know, man. But as of right now, I'm just doing the promoting thing."
But it's the prospect of a rematch with Ben Askren that has caught Masvidal's attention. Their first encounter at UFC 239 saw Masvidal deliver a jaw-dropping flying knee, setting a record for the fastest knockout in UFC history. Askren, who had an undefeated 20-fight career before that bout, still feels the sting of that defeat and has expressed his desire to return for a rematch.
"I heard Ben Askren said he'd come out of retirement to fight me," Masvidal remarked. "I was like, 'This dude...' He wanted MMA but for his sake, I'd do boxing [if I were him] so I can't knee him in the face, it's illegal. Duh. Come on, man (laughs)."
Unwilling to miss the opportunity for some verbal sparring, Masvidal teased Askren about his boxing skills, stating:
"Hey, Ben. I'll beat your ass with both hands behind my back. Ben's so bad at boxing. He's the one that said it. Look, Ben, I'll only give you the rematch in boxing, motherf*****. People will tune in because I can't knee him in the face, right? Maybe Ben can 'get his way now.' Hey, Ben, kiss my ass, you coming out of retirement. I'll send you right back into it, motherf*****. This guy, bro. They shouldn't have shown me that comment, you corny motherf*****."
As the banter heats up, fight fans can't help but get excited at the prospect of a boxing rematch between these two fierce competitors. While Masvidal may have retired from MMA, it seems that the fire to compete still burns brightly within him, especially if it means settling an old score with a certain "corny" opponent. Only time will tell if this rematch becomes a reality, but one thing is for sure – it would undoubtedly be a blockbuster showdown.