Jorge Masvidal holds the symbolic BMF belt, but according to his former UFC opponent Ben Askren, Gilbert Burns is more deserving of the title.
Askren, who got knocked out in record time by Masvidal at UFC 239, spoke to Daniel Cormier and previewed Masvidal’s upcoming fight against Burns at UFC 287.
Askren opined that Burns’ willingness to take on any opponent in the division sets him apart as the real ‘BMF’ compared to its current holder, Masvidal. He said:
“Burns is kinda like what Jorge [Masvidal] wants to be. Jorge is like, ‘I’ll fight anyone.’ But, Burns has kind of fought everyone, he seems like the guy that’ll say yes, no matter what. You know, from what it appears, he wants to fight Colby, he fought Chimaev, he fought Usman, he’s kind of fought all of the best guys in the division. He fought Demian Maia, who no one really wanted to fight.”
Askren continued:
“So he’s kind of fought everyone, so he actually kind of seems like the guy that’s actually BMF. I don’t know, that’s just my take.”
Neither fighter has enjoyed the best of runs in their last few outings inside the octagon. Jorge Masvidal has lost three straight and will look to redeem himself and climb back into title contention. Burns also has only two wins in his last four.
However, the Brazilian has managed to give a thorough account of himself against former champion Kamaru Usman and the dangerous Khamzat Chimaev.
Check out Ben Askren’s full comments on YouTube:
Jorge Masvidal claims Conor McGregor does not want to fight him because he fears hurting his brand
Jorge Masvidal also wants to fight the sport’s biggest name, Conor McGregor. McGregor has been absent from the octagon for over a year and intends to make the move up to the welterweight division on his return.
Masvidal said in an interview with Ariel Helwani on The MMA Hour:
“I want Conor, but Conor doesn’t want me. Stylistically, it’s not the best for him or his brand, you know? Not only am I going to beat the f****** brakes off of him, but I’m going to do it in a way that’s not good for his brand. I’m going to do it on my feet, you know?”
Perhaps a matchup between the two will materialize after UFC 287 or McGregor’s rumored TUF coaching role.
Check out Jorge Masvidal’s comments on YouTube: