Jorge Masvidal realizes that he is no longer a prospect. Since debuting in mixed martial arts in 2003 as a raw 19-year-old, “GameBred” has developed into one of the most underrated stars in the lightweight division.
The name “GameBred” comes from his love of pitbulls, which are loyal and fierce. Masvidal feels his calling in life is to be a pitbull inside the ring, respecting the game but making sure that his opponents don’t want to face him again.
The Cuban American grew up on the mean streets of Miami, and fighting was a way of life. But Masvidal has done something that many of the other kids fighting on the streets would have never dreamed: he parlayed it into a career as a professional prize fighter, becoming a world-traveled and acclaimed fighter at just 26 years of age.
“I accept the notoriety my street fighting wins have brought me in my professional career but I'm even more thankful I've been able to prove myself in the professional cage in a way many other street fighters have failed to do,” said Masvidal.
“GameBred” has faced a whole host of notable fighters, making his 20-6 professional record even more impressive. One of his biggest early career wins was a victory over top prospect Joe Lauzon, who was 8-0 at the time. Masvidal has also earned victories over current American Top Team teammate and UFC fighter Yves Edwards, former IFL lightweight champion Ryan Schultz, and former Sengoku lightweight champion Satoru Kitaoka.
His matchup with undefeated prospect Billy Evangelista at “Strikeforce: Feijao vs. Henderson” marks his return to Strikeforce for the first time since 2008, and he plans to keep his 2-0 Strikeforce record intact.
“Masvidal knows what it takes to be champion and I believe the world will be surprised by how quickly he proves that in Strikeforce. He knows what takes to win. He's a dedicated fighter with a passion for fighting that combines natural raw talent and heart,” commented his manager, Tina Vidal.
His passion for fighting has kept him active and he is always willing to fight. A fact he proved, when the natural 155er took a two-week notice fight at 170 with Paul Daley at Shark Fights in September 2010.
As for his prior losses GameBred stays true to form. “I'll fight any of the guys who 'beat' me again. I'll fight them for free just to prove that I'm the best,” said Masvidal.
One thing that has eluded Masvidal in his career is a world championship and he has his sights set on 155-pound gold in his new Strikeforce home.
“I'm going to rise to the top spot in Strikeforce. While I have a lot of respect for the fighters above me there, I'm going to clean house and I don't care who I have to go through to get there,” Masvidal said of his Strikeforce plans shortly after signing with the organization.
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