Jorge “Gamebred” Masvidal was the star of Saturday’s UFC 239 show at T-Mobile Center in Las Vegas. The 34-year-old veteran set the record for fastest finish in UFC history when he defeated previously-unbeaten Ben “Funky” Askren in five seconds with a flying knee.
Masvidal cashed tickets as a +175 underdog at most books, while bettors backing the “under” (2.5 rounds) hit an easy winner for a +180 return.
Even though the flying knee left Askren out cold, Masvidal landed two big right hands on his face before the referee could get there. Even in victory, Masvidal was left unsatisfied.
When Askren tweeted from the hospital a few hours after the fight, Masvidal decided to reply.
When asked if the beef between he and Askren was now settled at his post-fight presser, Masvidal said, “If I see him at Whole Foods, I’m still gonna slap that dude up cause I don’t like him.”
Masvidal made $250,000, collecting $100,000 to show, another 100K to win and a $50,000 Performance of the Night bonus. He improved to 34-13 overall and 11-6 in the UFC.
Masvidal wants a title shot next. On the ESPN+ post-fight show, he told Jon Anik, “I’m not saying I’m God or anything, but I just baptized two individuals back-to-back, so I think the belt is the only thing that’s left for me.”
Welterweight champion Kamaru Usman is out until at least November. Colby Covington, the division’s No. 1 ranked contender, is facing Robbie Lawler in the UFC Newark headliner on Aug. 3.
It’s unclear at this point whether Covington or Masvidal will get the next crack at Usman’s belt. One thing is for sure, though: Covington better look extremely impressive in a victory over Lawler if he wants to have any shot at keeping his spot in line ahead of Masvidal, who owns two of the UFC’s most vicious knockouts in 2019.