Jorge Masvidal is plotting a move up to the welterweight ranks according to a report on the latest edition of the ‘UFC Tonight’ show.
The 30 year-old Masvidal has fought at welterweight several times in the past, so it won’t be a complete step into the unknown for him, though he’s never done so against the caliber of competition that’s awaiting him in the UFC’s competitive 170lb weight class.
Perhaps his most notable bout beyond lightweight to date was a 171.75lb catchweight fight with Paul Daley at Shark Fights 13 back in 2010 which was a competitive outing that he ended up losing by unanimous decision.
Apparently Masvidal has been eyeing a more permanent move to welterweight for some four years now, even while still competing for the Strikeforce organization.
He’s remained in the lightweight division for as long as he has because he thought it might be better for his career, but lately he’s seemed increasingly frustrated with how things have been going for him – believing he had earned the right to more high-profile fights than he’s been given, while also being unhappy with decisions that haven’t gone his way.
He may have a point. A former Strikeforce title challenger, Masvidal has compiled a 5-2 record in the UFC so far and his two decision losses were at least debatable, particularly his last fight with Al Iaquinta where there was a strong case he shouldn’t have been on the wrong end of the split decision verdict.
Nevertheless, it’s all in the record books now and Masvidal currently resides on the outskirts of the lightweight rankings at No.15.
It remains to be seen whether a move up to welterweight will improve his fortunes, but it looks like he’s committed to the idea and says he’s currently walking around at 193lbs.
There’s no indication yet as to who Masvidal may fight next, though it’s emerged that an offer to step in as a late replacement to fight Donald Cerrone at UFC 187 was dependant on it being at a catchweight which may be why the UFC eventually opted to pair ‘Cowboy’ up with John Makdessi instead.
