Jorge Masvidal has been backed by rival Gilbert Burns to make his return to the UFC in a super-fight with the likes of Conor McGregor or Nate Diaz.
The Miami native hung up his gloves after losing to Burns in his home town earlier this month, following an iconic career that saw him fight for the welterweight world title twice. But the Brazilian reckons that despite his career being over as a top contender, Masvidal could make a return against a big name for major money.
McGregor and Diaz have both had long-standing rivalries with Masvidal, particularly Diaz who lost due to a controversial doctor's stoppage in their 2019 meeting. And for years McGregor has wanted a bout with his rival, despite UFC president Dana White insisting that their size difference is insurmountable.
“Right now he’s retired," Burns told MMA Junkie in a Spanish-language interview. "And as a title contender he’s retired, but for big money fights against (Conor) McGregor or Nate Diaz or another big name, I think he returns. He was very dangerous in there. He kept fighting the entire time. He’s very dangerous.
“I feel like if he still wants, he can (continue fighting),” Burns said. “His level is still good. That guy is very intelligent, and he’s got a lot of experience. However, I also believe that when you feel like you don’t want anymore, you should probably stop. I do feel like he’s done chasing the title.
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"But I believe that if McGregor wins or loses against Chandler, they’re going to make that fight with Jorge. McGregor is not really chasing the title, and I don’t see him hungry. I do think a great, a big fight, and Jorge comes back. He won’t return to make a run for the title, but if there’s a mega fight, I think he returns.”
Masvidal was just one fight away from a shot at Leon Edwards' world title heading into the Burns fight, and although he has lost four on the bounce without winning a round, he is still a major pay-per-view star. And neither McGregor or Diaz are on winning runs, with the American snapping a losing streak in his last bout with Tony Ferguson while the Irishman has won just once since 2016.
McGregor is currently working towards a return to the octagon for the first time in over two years after breaking his leg. Meanwhile, Diaz has just signed to face Jake Paul in a boxing match on August 5 in Dallas and has said that he plans to return to the UFC afterwards.
