Jorge Masvidal is a fighter. The dude was throwing bombs in backyards with Kimbo Slice looking on approvingly before you even knew who Kimbo was. Since then, “Gamebred” has racked up impressive victories over the likes of Yves Edwards, Joe Lauzon and now Billy Evangelista, just to name a few. We caught up with Jorge to discuss his victory and Sengoku King.
Now that you have beaten Billy Evangelista, where do you think you are ranked in the Strikeforce 155 division? Having beaten Evangalista I should be up to fight the current title holder. If I don’t get that opportunity right away, I want to keep fighting the top 10 in the lightweight division and work my way up to that shot.
Do people still bring up the Imada triangle to you? (I am aware of the irony in this question) Yes all the time. He’s the one guy I would love a rematch against.
Tell us about fighting underground with the Kimbo Slice crew. What was it like? Sketchy? It was cool you know. It gave me some great opportunities and helped catapult my career so I’m grateful for that. Back then all I wanted to do was fight- that’s who I am. I would fight anyone, anywhere- I guess much hasn’t change except now I do it in a ring and have made a career out of it.
Do you have nerves before a fight? If so, what makes you more nervous: fighting at big shows like you do now or in front of 30 dudes in a backyard? Neither one really- I don’t let those things affect me, it’s part of the game. And 30 dudes in a backyard- bring it on; I would almost feel sorry for them (laughs). I don’t get nervous as much as I get into a zone you know- getting my head in the right place to fight. I was a little nervous about the Evangalista fight more so than others just because I was coming off a loss and had a little ring rust after not fighting for six months.
Tell us how you beat the previously unbeatable Billy Evangelista My plan was to win the first round because I knew once I did that he was going to be done. My conditioning was going to allow me to out fight him and my striking technique and quickness were going to psych him out. It worked.
How did you get hooked up with ATT? From Alexis Vila. He was introduced to my dad who started telling me about this crazy Cuban fighter I had to meet. One thing led to another and now I train with the best.
Tell us about Miami Hustle Miami Hustle is about 4 fighters but it’s not a regular fighting show like Ultimate Fighter. It’s more about who we are as people, how we live our lives- its real.
Do you want to give Paul Daley any tips on cutting weight? Yeah- call P.R. Cole. (laughs) That was one of the best decisions I ever made in my life. My weight has never been better or easier to maintain and I feel stronger than ever.
Pat Healy called you out, why do you think he did that? (laughs) He must have had an absence of judgment because he wouldn’t have a shot (laughs).
How did you withstand Paul Daley’s punches? Paul Daley’s a strong dude but I’m quick with my head. I make you think you’re going to hit me and them move out of the way at the last second. I out-techniqued him.
Would you fight Nick Diaz? does a run at the welterweight division in Strikeforce interest you? I’ll fight anybody. I’m a natural lightweight and want the to opportunity to prove myself as the best fighter in that division. But, if offered a great opponent like Daley is, at welterweight then I’ll fight there as well.
Anyone you want to thank? I’d like to thank my apparel sponsor Raw State, Full Tilt Poker, ML Management, Tina and Ray, Ron Foster, Dan Lambert, ATT, South Miami Sports Performance, my coach and training staff, including Alexis Vila, Paulino, and Juan Carlos.
