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Jorge Masvidal didn’t hold back in a pair of sit-downs with Home of Fight’s Jake Noecker, and rising flyweight Jasmine Jasudavicius made it clear she’s pushing for a title chance. Their conversations touched on pay disputes, stylistic matchups, and the stakes heading into UFC Edmonton on October 17 — a night that could reshape careers in the 125- and 170-pound divisions.
Both fighters mixed blunt takes with fight-night insight: Masvidal weighed in on who should cash in at the top of the sport and offered surprise picks for who can trouble Islam Makhachev, while Jasudavicius explained why a win in Edmonton would move her squarely into title contention.
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Masvidal argued Strickland has the kind of star power that warrants a massive payday. Pointing to media attention and consistent headline-making performances, he suggested the 185-pound contender’s market value is far higher than what the promotion typically offers mid-tier champions.
- Attention equals value: Masvidal said fighters who draw eyes and conversation should be compensated accordingly.
- Underdog-to-champion story: He referenced Strickland’s upset over Israel Adesanya as a moment that elevates a fighter’s commercial worth.
- Estimated figures: While Masvidal didn’t claim to know contract specifics, he speculated that current offers are below the level Strickland deserves.
What this means for UFC negotiations
In Masvidal’s view, promoters should factor in not only wins and rankings but also buzz and viewership. He framed his argument around a simple idea: fighters who create headlines help sell events, and that should show up on their paychecks.
Who can upset Islam Makhachev? Masvidal’s surprising picks and logic
Masvidal named a pair of fighters he believes could trouble the lightweight champion, citing style and physicality as decisive factors. His top pick is a less-talked-about name who he thinks poses a real tactical problem.
- Yaroslav Amosov: Masvidal highlighted Amosov’s style and versatility, saying he’d bet on Amosov to outwork and potentially wrestle more effectively than expected.
- Michael Morales: Described as an unusually big welterweight, Morales drew praise for his power and size — traits Masvidal thinks could disrupt the division.
He also noted that in a pure striking contest, certain fighters would be favored differently, but when grappling and takedowns enter the picture, stylistic matchups can flip expectations.
Thoughts on Ian Garry and the “killer instinct” debate
Responding to Dana White’s critique of Ian Garry, Masvidal agreed a top contender needs to hunt for the finish. He suggested Garry looked content to compete rather than press for a knockout, which in Masvidal’s analysis limited his use of signature tools like head kicks and aggressive combinations. The concern: worries about takedowns kept Garry from being the aggressor Masvidal expects from elite contenders.
Jasudavicius in Edmonton: Co-main ambitions and the roadmap to a flyweight title shot
Jasmine Jasudavicius said fighting in Edmonton energizes her — the crowd and the moment matter. She believes a strong performance in the co-main could fast-track her into the 125-pound title conversation.
- Opportunity window: Jasudavicius pointed out that the promotion recently handed a title chance to someone ranked below her, which signals that momentum and impressive wins can quickly alter the pecking order.
- Age and urgency: She emphasized that she doesn’t have time to wait around and wants to capitalize on the next breakthrough.
- Edmonton atmosphere: The fighter described the city’s fans as electric, a factor she believes can lift performances on fight night.
On Natalia Silva, vacated titles, and division movement
Jasudavicius reflected on her past matchup with Natalia Silva, calling Silva’s movement tricky and unorthodox — attributes she thinks make Silva an intriguing opponent for established names like Valentina Shevchenko. On belts being relinquished, Jasudavicius supported moving the division forward if champions aren’t defending, saying inactivity stalls contenders’ careers.
Fight night stakes and representation: why the co-main matters
Both fighters underscored how a strong billing — and a high-profile co-main slot — can change public perception and create momentum. Jasudavicius said sharing the pay-per-view spotlight with fighters like Mike Malott and Joaquin Buckley reflects MMA’s growth and the increasing opportunities for fighters to build their brands.
- Career trajectory: A win in that position can lead to direct title talks or bigger matchups.
- Visibility: High-profile placement on a card amplifies a fighter’s bargaining power and fan reach.
- Promotion and crossover: Masvidal used the conversation to remind fans he’s promoting his own Gamebred Fighting Championships event in Miami, signaling how fighters diversify their platforms.
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John Davis is a sports journalist focused on the NBA, NFL, and major global championships. With seven years of live coverage, he breaks down performances and key strategies. His expertise gives you a clear view of every game and its impact.
