Cormier Questions Interest in Masvidal’s UFC Return
In September 2024, Jorge Masvidal said he was in talks with the UFC about a possible return, targeting late 2024 or early 2025. He had not fought in MMA since losing to Gilbert Burns at UFC 287 in April 2023. Daniel Cormier responded by asking whether fans still wanted to see Masvidal compete in 2024 as they had during his 2019 rise. Cormier’s comment questioned audience interest; it was not an announced UFC decision about Masvidal’s status.
Masvidal’s Career Trajectory
Masvidal’s 2019 run included a second-round knockout of Darren Till, a five-second flying-knee knockout of Ben Askren—the fastest knockout in UFC history—and a doctor-stoppage win over Nate Diaz at UFC 244 that earned him the inaugural BMF title. He then fought Kamaru Usman twice, challenging for the welterweight title.
Recent Setbacks
Masvidal lost four consecutive UFC bouts: to Usman, Usman again, Colby Covington and Burns. He announced his MMA retirement after the Burns loss in April 2023, then publicly said he was “unretired” in January 2024. In July 2024, he boxed Diaz in a rematch and lost by majority decision. That boxing result was separate from his UFC record.
Cormier’s Perspective
Cormier contrasted Masvidal’s 2019 popularity with his situation in 2024 and asked whether viewers still cared to see him return. Cormier questioned audience interest, but did not say age alone ruled Masvidal out or that his best days were definitively behind him.
The Comeback Challenge
Masvidal told reporters he was interested in returning and named Michael Chandler as one possible opponent. At the time, those were his comments and a potential matchup, not a confirmed booking. His stated confidence about a return should be distinguished from an announced fight or title opportunity.
Looking Ahead
Reports in August 2026 said Masvidal was again in talks with the UFC about a possible return. The UFC athlete profile lists him as retired, and no opponent or date has been announced.
Conclusion
Cormier questioned whether a 2024 return would draw the same interest as Masvidal’s 2019 breakout. Masvidal, for his part, said he was pursuing a UFC return. The distinction matters: one was commentary about audience interest, the other was a fighter’s stated intention. As of the latest sources listed here, talks have been reported, but no bout is confirmed.
Sources:
[1] BJ Penn: Cormier Questions Interest in a Masvidal Return
[2] MMA Junkie: Cormier Asks Whether Fans Still Care
[3] Daniel Cormier’s Video Commentary
[4] Additional interview footage
[5] Sportskeeda: Cormier on Masvidal’s Potential Return
[6] MMA News: Cormier Discusses a Possible Masvidal–Chandler Fight
[7] MMA Fighting: Masvidal Says UFC Return Talks Were Underway
[8] MMA Fighting: Cormier Questions Fan Interest
[9] UFC Athlete Profile: Masvidal’s Listed Status and Fight History
[10] Yahoo Sports: August 2026 Report on UFC Return Talks
[11] MMA Fighting: Diaz–Masvidal Boxing Result
Sources
Tags: MMA
