Jorge Masvidal’s “Retirement” in Question as Major USADA Formality Left Unanswered: “You’ve Seen This With Conor McGregor”

Jorge Masvidal suffered his fourth consecutive loss at UFC 287 after Gilbert Burns defeated him via a unanimous decision. The UFC declared that ‘Gamebred’ had retired from MMA in an official announcement on social media. However, UFC critic and analyst Chael Sonnen believes that isn’t the case.

Masvidal gave an interview after the UFC 287 co-main event and mentioned how’s come so far in his 20 years in the sport of MMA. Many people thought that he might be leaving the sport after ‘Gamebred’ mentioned that he and his family were financially in a better place. However, Sonnen has other opinions.

Chael Sonnen insists Jorge Masvidal hasn’t retired

‘The American Gangster’ posted a video on his YouTube channel discussing the retirement situation of the former BMF of the UFC. He thinks Masvidal is still an active fighter even though the promotion has officially announced his retirement. Sonnen said, “Sure sounded like a retirement speech [Masvidal’s post-fight interview]. But he never retired.” 

“The word retire to us can be something we just throw around… you just say the word. There is a legal meaning to the word retire as it pertains specifically to the UFC and specifically to their agreement with USADA,” said Sonnen. He gave an example of Conor McGregor‘s current situation and added, “If you’re retired, you are out of the pool. You cannot be tested. You also can’t get a fight. You’ve seen this with Conor McGregor right now. But it all has to do with that word.” 

He remains adamant that Masvidal hasn’t retired yet despite the UFC announcing it on Twitter.

Sonnen claims ‘Gamebred’ made a few illegal moves after the fight

The UFC legend mentioned that some of the fans were asking why he’s speculating about Masvidal’s retirement news. Sonnen mentioned that it was important because, after the fight, Masvidal removed his gloves while being inside the octagon. He said, “Jorge took his gloves off in the ring. When you take your gloves off in the ring, you are now signifying who the announcer (is) makes sure ‘You come over and interview me because I’m about to retire.”

‘The American Gangster’ mentioned that removing the gloves inside the octagon signifies the fact that he’s retired and the announcer is to come toward him for an interview. But nothing of that sort happened.

Sonnen claimed that a fighter has to retire when he removes his gloves inside the octagon because otherwise, it is illegal. “That’s what the sign is, and it’s extremely relevant and important that you do retire. Why? Because it’s illegal to take your gloves off in the ring,” said Sonnen.

He added that Masvidal threw one of his gloves into the audience. However, according to Sonnen, UFC officials are supposed to inspect the gloves to see if any tampering was done.

READ MORE: UFC President Dana White Agrees to Gilbert Burns’ Demands After His Threats to Leave the UFC: “You Got It!”

Chael Sonnen’s claims do raise eyebrows after he mentioned some of the allegedly illegal things that took place after Masvidal’s fight. However, there have not been any updates regarding these claims as of now.

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