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At UFC 244, Jorge Masvidal's fight against Nate Diaz ended in controversy, with the decision being made to stop the fight due to doctor's stoppage. Before the fight could be stopped, the 'Gamebred' fighter had already made an impact by doing quite a bit of damage on Nate Diaz. If one thing was clear, it was that although Diaz kept on coming the only way he can, Masvidal was ready to do more damage unless the fight was stopped.
With that being said, the current BMF Champion Jorge Masvidal came out of the fight more confident than ever, after one of the best years of his MMA career.
ALSO READ: Reason why Jorge Masvidal didn't need a win against Nate Diaz to be the real BMF
Dana White has said that they are not interested in a rematch against Nate Diaz.
Now, moving on from his fight, Masvidal has a lot to look forward to. Although he will not be fighting again this year, he will certainly be looking to emulate his performances this year in 2020. With several opponents for himself already in mind, there are several fighters who could be the next person to face him.
Here are 4 UFC fighters who could be next for the BMF Champion. Please note, that although Diaz is interested in a rematch, that fight will not be included on this list.
#4 Colby Covington
Colby Covington is known for being a controversial figure in the world of MMA. Often speaking badly about people, Masvidal and Covington were good friends, at least until this year.
The two American Top Team members had their camaraderie seemingly disappear earlier this year as soon as Masvidal became popular. This might actually have more to do with Covington, who was the person who started to bad-mouth his 'friend' when Masvidal gained popularity.
Now, Colby Covington is set for a fight against Kamaru Usman, a fight that has long been touted for being big due to the real-life heat between Covington and Usman.
Following the fight at UFC 245, no matter what the result, Masvidal will have the opportunity to settle his rivalry if he chooses to face Colby Covington next. Either way, at least their rivalry will be settled.
#3 Kamaru Usman
The current Welterweight Champion is also a valid opponent for Jorge Masvidal. Masvidal has gone back-and-forth with Kamaru Usman on social media before and this is a fight that seems inevitable.
There has never been a better time for Masvidal to challenge for the title than now. The fighter is well and truly riding a wave of momentum the likes of which he has never seen in his career. Winning the BMF title, now he only has to win a fight for the Welterweight title to complete the only accomplishment that he is yet to add to his long list.
Masvidal makes any fight a 'big money' fight currently, and that is something that will definitely hold true if he heads in to fight for the Welterweight title.
#2 Conor McGregor
Let's be honest, this is a fight that will most probably never happen — but can you imagine if it does?
Conor McGregor has long claimed to be the real BMF in the UFC, and for the first time ever has someone he can challenge to claim that actual title and make it official.
Everything is against this fight actually happening. Not only has Dana White clearly stated that he does not think Conor McGregor is 'big enough' for Masvidal, but he also said the BMF title fight was a one-and-done deal.
There is real-life heat between Masvidal and McGregor, with Masvidal airing his thoughts about McGregor on the UFC 244 post-fight press conference.
If there is one person who can make it a record-making fight, however, it is Conor McGregor. McGregor would bring something else altogether to the fight and this might be the perfect answer of what McGregor can do once he actually returns.
For now, his return is set for January against an opponent who is yet to be decided, but following that fight, fighting Jorge Masvidal might be something that Conor McGregor is more than interested in.
ALSO READ: Conor McGregor's manager denies sexual assault allegations
#1 Leon Edwards
Leon Edwards might appear to be an odd choice for the #1 spot on this list at first glance, but hear me out.
Yes, Leon Edwards is definitely not rated as highly as Jorge Masvidal at the moment. Even on the current UFC Welterweight rankings, Edwards is ranked below Jorge Masvidal. However, there is something more than Masvidal's quest for the title that could make this fight a very real possibility.
At UFC London, in the co-main event, Leon Edwards had managed to get a win in his fight against Gunnar Nelson. In the main event, Masvidal knocked out Darren Till and also got a win.
The two would then come together backstage in the most unfortunate manner. During an interview, Masvidal and Edwards engaged in a brawl. As a result of the brawl, Edwards received a cut under his left eye, souring what was otherwise a very happy night for him. Both men have since talked about their real-life rivalry, with Edwards being extremely vocal about getting his revenge on Masvidal.
There is hardly something as useful as real-life heat to add fuel to a proper fight in the Octagon. This might be one of the biggest fights possible for Masvidal to engage in next.
Who do you think Jorge Masvidal will face next? Leave your thoughts in the comments below!
