As a sports journalist with over 15 years in the field, I’ve shared conversations with some of the biggest names in combat sports. Yet, few have the charisma, grit, and raw appeal of Jorge Masvidal. With a career marked by fearless street fights, viral knockouts, and an unmistakable aura, Masvidal isn’t just a fighter—he’s an icon of the fight game  legend whose every move keeps fans and critics glued to their screens. And I had the privilege of seeing that firsthand.

Masvidal is the kind of guy who can make you feel like you’re having an honest conversation over a beer, while at the same time, you know you’re talking to one of the most respected—and feared—fighters of the modern era. We’re talking about a guy who literally rose to prominence fighting bare-knuckle in the streets in viral videos before viral videos were even really a thing. And then, there was that iconic moment at UFC 244 in Madison Square Garden when he became the inaugural BMF in front of the President of the United States at the time.

He’s as quick to throw a thoughtful answer as he is to crack a joke with that signature Miami swagger. But in this exclusive interview for EssentiallySports FanCast, Masvidal didn’t just talk; he delivered! And the big question on everyone’s mind? What’s left for “Gamebred” as he readies himself for a comeback? The answer he gave was pure Masvidal: unfiltered, unapologetic, and full of fire.

The Last Dance: What’s Left for Gamebred?

Interviewing Masvidal was a completely unique experience. For a man whose every second sentence seems to come with a four-letter word, I found him to be incredibly respectful—and surprisingly open to giving interesting answers on just about anything. Now, after more than 20 years in the fight game, Jorge Masvidal is preparing for his return to the UFC. The big question on everyone’s mind: what’s next for the veteran fighter? Could we be witnessing a final, legendary chapter in his career?

When I caught up with him recently for an explosive episode of EssentiallySports FanCast, Masvidal made it clear that he’s not going anywhere just yet. His desire to compete and prove himself once again is as strong as ever.

“Brother, I’m coming back harder than ever,” he told me. “Been training, ready for a minute. Boy’s in shape. I’m gonna come back at the end of this year, next year. Opponent, time… we don’t know yet, but someone is going [mimics getting a punch to the chin] to sleep, brother. We’re in here, man. We’re training. I want to get back, I want to compete, you know.” His words carried a familiar edge, that same confidence that’s won him battles and captivated audiences.

For Jorge Masvidal, fighting isn’t just a job—it’s a way of life. As he prepares for his highly anticipated UFC encore, he’s clear about one thing: this comeback isn’t about proving something to anyone else. It’s about staying true to his roots and doing what he loves most.

After stepping away from the sport briefly to focus on his fight promotion, Masvidal is now itching to get back in the cage. “I never stopped training. I’ve been in this game too long to slack off, even when I’m not fighting,” he expressed. “This return is about getting back to the top, not chasing anybody’s approval. I ain’t Cowboy Cerrone—I’ve still got plenty in the tank, man.”

The mention of Cerrone, a fellow veteran of the sport, was no accident. While Cerrone retired after a long career of ups and downs, Masvidal feels like his own journey is far from over. He’s quick to draw the line between himself and others who’ve exited the spotlight. “I ain’t in this to just fight; I’m in this to finish guys, to make a statement every time I step in that cage.”

As Masvidal prepares for his return, the drive is the same, but the stakes are even higher. He’s eager to remind the world why he’s one of the most dangerous fighters on the planet. “I’m not done yet. Not even close,” he promised.

A Turning Point: The 2018 Reality Show That Changed His Mindset

This wasn’t my first interaction with Masvidal. I first spoke to Jorge Masvidal right before his career truly exploded. His journey to superstardom wasn’t a smooth ride. It was a hard-earned path filled with battles inside the cage and outside of it. But in 2018, he took a surprising detour. He stepped off the fight scene to compete on Exatlon Estados Unidos, a reality competition show filmed in the Dominican Republic.

For three months, Masvidal was isolated from the world—no phone, no TV, no contact with his family. It was just him, the challenges, and his thoughts. Sounds like a nightmare for most athletes, but for Masvidal, it was the reset he didn’t know he needed.

“It was pretty cool,” he told me during our first chat when I was working for Fox Sports Asia. “There’s no phones, no TV, no music. Just seclusion and nature and competition. It was a good mixture of athletes I was competing with. I got to learn from a lot of different disciplines, mindsets, how people train, and how they compete. It’s a different perspective. I loved it, brother.” His fascinating answers and obvious charisma stood out to me massively amongst the many fighter’s I’ve been fortunate enough to interview, and that period allowed Masvidal to reconnect with himself, clearing his mind and sharpening his focus.

When he returned to the UFC, he was more determined and dangerous than ever before. And that’s when the magic happened—his meteoric rise as one of the most exciting and unpredictable fighters in the sport.

I believe the raw hunger, love of the game, and surprising warmth of the man really shine through. That interview now sits on my YouTube channel and makes for interesting viewing looking back in what was arguably, the most pivotal spell in his career.

That period allowed Masvidal to reconnect with himself, clearing his mind and sharpening his focus. When he returned to the UFC, he was more determined and dangerous than ever before. And that’s when the magic happened—his meteoric rise as one of the most exciting and unpredictable fighters in the sport.

Masvidal’s Iconic Moments: Fast Knockouts, Street Fights, and Catchphrases

By the time Masvidal returned to the UFC after his reality TV stint, he was a changed man. He entered the cage with a new sense of clarity—and it didn’t take long before he left his mark.

In 2019, Masvidal delivered the fastest knockout in UFC history against Ben Askren, a flying knee that sent shockwaves through the MMA world. The timing was perfect, and the execution was flawless. That moment alone secured his place in the history books. But Masvidal’s rise didn’t stop there.

After a backstage altercation with Leon Edwards, Masvidal coined his famous “three-piece and a soda” catchphrase, turning a trash-talking spat into one of the most iconic phrases in UFC lore. Whether he was knocking out opponents or making headlines with his no-nonsense attitude, Masvidal was everywhere. He was the man everyone wanted to see fight, whether you loved him or hated him.

Whether it’s a knockout, a comeback, or simply one last hurrah, Jorge Masvidal’s legacy in combat sports is already set in stone. But his story isn’t finished. After over 20 years in the sport, he’s ready to add one more chapter—one that will be remembered for years to come.

For fans and critics alike, Jorge Masvidal’s return is a spectacle not to be missed. This isn’t just another comeback—it’s potentially the last dance of a fighter who’s given everything to the sport. And if history has taught us anything, it’s that Masvidal will never go out quietly.