Masvidal explains why he didn't face McGregor: 'They didn't want to put him against a killer'

J. Masvidal in a press conference after the UFC 239. Reproduction/YouTube UFC

One of the most talked about names in Ultimate today is Jorge masvidal. The athlete, who gained greater notoriety after knocking out Ben Askren in just five seconds in the UFC 239, in July, faces Nate diaz in the main fight of UFC 244, in November. However, before the fight was confirmed, Masvidal asked for a fight against Conor, but the company did not respond. According to Jorge, the company wanted to protect the Irishman from suffering a shameful defeat. The statement was made in an interview with ESPN.

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“The president (Dana White) didn’t consider it good, because they don’t want a murder charge against the company. They will not allow that to happen,” Masvidal said.

Shortly after triumphing over Askren, Masvidal immediately asked, in an interview, for a chance to fight for the welterweight belt (up to 77kg.) or face Conor McGregor. None of the requests were fulfilled by the company. According to Dana himself, Jorge is too big an athlete for Conor, who currently plays at lightweight (up to 70,3kg).

“The president himself said it. So, I don't want to go to jail for killing anyone. It's not what I want to do. I’m here to compete and keep destroying people,” said Masvidal.

The president's statement, however, for some, was seen as a way to attract the Irishman so that a confrontation could be considered. Conor, however, seems to be more interested in a rematch against Khabib Nurmagomedov, by whom he was defeated in October last year. Knowing this, Masvidal tried to ignore the 'Notório' and accepted a fight with favorable figures against Nate diaz.

Even though his requests were rejected (for the belt and the fight against Conor), Masvidal showed that he still enjoys a certain prestige with the company. After he and Diaz signaled that they would like to face each other, the UFC management acted quickly and agreed on a contract for the athletes to appear in the main fight of the tournament. UFC 244, on November 2nd. With the confirmation of the clash, the company deviated from standards and will hold a numbered event without an official title fight.

Nate and Jorge will compete for a symbolic title created by the company that will be awarded to the winner. Whoever wins will then be considered the 'Toughest Son of a Hand in the Game'.