Skip to content

Masvidal willing to defend BMF title if opponent puts up 'collateral'

Steven Ryan / Getty Images Sport / Getty

Jorge Masvidal is willing to defend the BMF title - but only if his opponent makes it worthwhile.

"You guys know I'm a gambling man," Masvidal said at a Thursday press conference, according to MMA Fighting. "So, somebody wants this (belt) right here, you gotta put something up worth collateral, something that makes me go, 'Yeah, that makes it worth me putting this up.'

"Because I'm not just gonna put this up for somebody to win and me to not win nothing after I baptize them. You gotta give me something if I end your ass."

Masvidal's comments contradict the original plan for the BMF belt, which "Gamebred" captured with a win over Nate Diaz at UFC 244 in November. The title was supposed to be "one of one," according to the promotion, meaning it would never be defended.

Masvidal, who's quickly emerging as one of the UFC's biggest stars, doesn't know what exactly he'd want from an opponent should he put his belt up for grabs.

"It could be financial. It could be many of things," Masvidal said. "Maybe certain individuals don't ever get to speak or do an interview if I whoop their ass the right way. Shit like that. I work for the community so I know for a lot of us, certain people shouldn't be talking no more."

One fighter who has expressed interest in facing Masvidal is former two-division champion Conor McGregor, who returns to the cage Saturday at UFC 246. Masvidal is also interested in a clash with the Irishman and said it would be "one of the biggest fights in history."

Daily Newsletter

Get the latest trending sports news daily in your inbox