Disclosing Key Detail From “People Inside the Organization”, Daniel Cormier Reveals Why Jorge Masvidal Must Win Against Gilbert Burns

With the announcement of Jorge Masvidal‘s return to the octagon against Gilbert Burns at UFC 287 already done, speculations on the 38-year-old’s future if he loses the fight are already making the rounds. Former UFC double champ Daniel Cormier also jumped on this hot topic and addressed the scenario on his YouTube channel. Cormier, while signifying the importance of the fight, pointed out that ‘Gamebred’ might have been pushed into accepting the fight. DC revealed how, although a tough fight, a win here for the 38-year-old meant bigger things in the future. Interestingly, he also stated that a loss might not have much effect on his popularity levels.

Daniel Cormier feels Jorge Masvidal vs Gilbert Burns is a must-win for the former considering his losing streak

Cormier displayed his enthusiasm for this bout, even claiming he had called for it right after Burns beat Magny at UFC 283. The now-retired champ revealed an interesting detail as well. He stated that as per reliable sources, the Burns vs Masvidal fight was supposed to go down in Brazil.

“Masvidal versus Burns. I love that fight, guys. I’ve loved that fight from the moment those guys started chirping each other’s names. And I felt on that night when Gilbert Burns beat Neil Magny, and the way that he did, they would go back to Masvidal.”

He then continued to claim that it was Burns himself that talked about the fight happening in Brazil. “Because I’m telling you it was supposed to be Masvidal Burns in Brazil. And I’m telling you this from Gilbert Burns’s mouth and from people inside the organization.”

Surprisingly, since Burns is a formidable opponent, DC even suggested it was a tough call for Masvidal to accept the fight.“It was hard for Masvidal to get or take this fight when in reality I’ve long said it’s the best fight for him to get back to where he’s trying to go in the short term. Because you beat Gilbert Burns and you are Masvidal with his star power and you’re right back in the mix.” expressed Cormier, pointing to how ‘Gamebred’ might have been pushed into the fight.

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Cormier then explained the weight of the situation and how a loss here might signal the end of a long career for Masvidal. He pointed out his 3 fight-losing streak to support his claim. “But you can’t lose if you are Jorge. You gotta win, you have got to get this one. Because for as bad as the decision loss to Kamaru Usman, the first one to knock out the second one, then the decision loss to Colby Covington. You lose to Burns now you’ve lost to three of the top four or five fighters in the world. I don’t know if you come back from that at an advanced stage in fighting.”

A win here will set up Masvidal for a fight against Edwards, believes Daniel Cormier

Talking about the possibilities that would open for the Miami gangster with a win, DC mentioned a possible fight with long-time rival Leon Edwards. Considering the enmity that the duo share for each other, it was not a surprise Cormier brought it up. The former Olympian also pointed out the popularity of Masvidal as something that won’t be influenced by a loss.

“Will his star power be hurt? I don’t think so. I mean, people seem to love Jorge Masvidal. but this is a must-win situation for gamebred.” He then continues, pointing out what happens with a win over Burns for Masvidal. “He’s got to get it done. And if he does, he goes on a short list. Especially with the timing of that fight being a month after Usman and Leon Edwards rematch. Leon Edwards wins and ‘Gamebred’ wins. They will fight for the championship.”

Cormier‘s analysis in some ways seems to be accurate. The losing streak Masvidal‘s been on clearly means he cannot afford another one on his record. Also, the timing, as pointed out by DC, looks perfectly set for a possible bout against Edwards too. Now it all comes down to both fighters winning their respective bouts, no doubt. But ultimately, it’s an interesting revelation made by Cormier that the UFC had the Burns vs Masvidal planned out prior.

As a fan, who do you think takes this one? Can ‘Gamebred’ finally turn the losing tide he’s been on?

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