TLDR
- Jorge Masvidal says he would welcome a third fight with Nate Diaz, asking if fans want to see Diaz ‘get slaughtered again’
- Masvidal defeated Diaz by majority decision in a boxing match in July 2024 after stopping him in their 2019 UFC bout
- Masvidal maintains he clearly won their boxing match despite controversy over the judges’ scorecards
- The first fight between the two took place at UFC 244 in 2019 for the BMF championship, which Masvidal won by doctor stoppage
- Masvidal retired from MMA in 2023 while Diaz left the UFC in 2022 and recently signed with the PFL
Sources: MMA Fighting | BJPenn.com | MMA Junkie
Jorge Masvidal has responded to questions about a potential third fight with Nate Diaz, making it clear he believes another bout would end the same way as their recent boxing match. The former UFC welterweight contender showed little hesitation when asked about facing Diaz again.
“You want him to get slaughtered again?” Masvidal said when addressing the trilogy talk. The comment references their July 2024 boxing match, where Masvidal defeated Diaz by majority decision after 10 rounds.
Despite the controversy surrounding the boxing match decision, Masvidal maintains he clearly won the fight. “I straight up won that fight,” he stated, defending his performance against critics who felt the bout was closer than the judges’ scorecards indicated.
The two fighters first met at UFC 244 in November 2019, where Masvidal won by third-round TKO due to a doctor stoppage. That fight was for the ceremonial BMF (Baddest Motherf***er) championship title at Madison Square Garden.
Masvidal’s Confidence About Another Fight
Masvidal expressed enthusiasm about the possibility of fighting Diaz for a third time. “I would love to smash him,” he said, showing no concern about facing his longtime rival again.
The boxing match between the two in July took place under professional boxing rules, marking a departure from their first encounter in the UFC. Many fans and observers had mixed reactions to the decision, with some feeling Diaz performed better than the scorecards reflected.
Masvidal retired from MMA competition in April 2023 after losing four straight fights in the UFC. His last win inside the octagon came against Diaz in 2019.
Diaz left the UFC in 2022 after his contract expired, competing in boxing and recently signing with the Professional Fighters League (PFL). His move to PFL allows him to compete in MMA while also pursuing boxing matches.
History Between the Two Fighters
The rivalry between Masvidal and Diaz has been one of the most talked-about matchups in combat sports. Their first fight generated massive pay-per-view numbers and created the BMF title concept.
Their boxing rematch in 2024 came after years of back-and-forth between the two on social media. The 10-round bout went the distance, with Masvidal winning by scores of 98-92, 97-93, and 95-95.
Both fighters have built their careers on their willingness to fight anyone and their tough-guy personas. Diaz has been competing professionally since 2004, while Masvidal made his pro debut in 2003.
Masvidal’s recent comments suggest he sees a third fight as an easy win. His confidence stems from victories in both their previous encounters, though the boxing match was more competitive than their UFC bout.
Whether a trilogy fight actually happens depends on various factors including promotional interest, fan demand, and what both fighters decide to do next in their careers. Masvidal has made his position clear that he’s ready if the opportunity arises.
