Masvidal's historic victim questions his rival's mental state for the fight against Durinho: 'He knows he won't win'

G. Durinho (left) faces J. Masvidal (right) in the UFC 287. Photo: SUPER FIGHTS montage

Historical victim of Jorge masvidal in Ultimate, Ben Askren questioned the American's mental state for the challenge against Gilbert Durinho, UFC 287. In an interview with Daniel Cormier, the former Bellator and ONE Championship champion pointed his vision to the psychology of the veteran, who has had three consecutive defeats in the company. For the former fighter, the owner of the 'BMF' belt is not convinced that he can win the commitment.

“He’s not going to win. That's why he was rejecting the confrontation against Burns (Durinho). He also doesn't think he can win. Daniel, you know how things work with these athletes. If they believe they cannot overcome a rival, they readily accept. Otherwise, they won’t agree,” he said.

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To spice up the provocation, Askren followed the analogy. According to the former fighter, Gilbert represents the stereotype that Masvidal sought throughout his career in MMA.

“Burns is the athlete Jorge would like to be. He faces anyone. It seems to say 'yes' to any opponent. He (Durinho) wants to face Colby covington, fought against Khamzat Shimaev and faced Kamaru Usman. Gilbert fought against the best in the category”, he concluded.

No UFC 287, Masvidal will try to end his worst phase as a professional in MMA. Today, the North American accumulates three stumbles and has not won a commitment since 2019, when he crashed Nate diaz in a superfight for the 'BMF' belt.