That MMA Show

UFC 244: The “BMF” Bout

Published by: Alex “AFM” Minor

On November 2nd, 2019, the UFC showcased a tremendous card of top fighters amidst the legendary Madison Square Garden Arena, and its massive New York crowd.
The “crowning jewel” of the card was a highly anticipated bout between Jorge “Gamebred” Masvidal and Nate Diaz. Coming off of two career-defining knockouts over Darren Till and Ben Askren, Jorge Masvidal had gained a tremendous mainstream following, seemingly over night (Despite the fact he’s fought for the UFC for 7 years). Coming off of a 3-year-layoff with a big win over Anthony Pettis 2 months prior, Diaz immediately called out Jorge Masvidal to determine who was the “Baddest Mother F***er” in the game. The UFC Brass rolled with this story line as well, and created a special “one-time” belt for the “BMF” bout. This decision caught a bit of heat from some MMA purists who deemed it “Disrespectful to the division” and reminiscent of professional wrestling. However, the move was certainly appreciated by most fans. Especially considering the UFC’s inclusion of A-list celebrity, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson (Best known as one of the 90’s greatest Professional Wrestlers..) as the man to wrap the belt on the “BMF” King. All things considered, the UFC most likely made this decision due to the sheer star-power of both men in addition to the belt-only model the UFC has employed for pay-per-view events over the last few years.
The fight itself was on track to be just as exciting and explosive as the world anticipated. However, an unfortunate cut would ultimately cause an NSAC (New York State Athletic Comission) doctor to make the unpopular decision of stopping the in the third round for Nate Diaz’s health. Nevertheless, the fight was quite seat-clinching beforehand as Jorge Masvidal mainly dominated Nate Diaz in brutal fashion with slicing body kicks, booming right hands, staggering elbows off the clinch, educated ground & pound, and even a massive, early head kick. Diaz managed to rally back and land good boxing combinations at certain points in the fight as well. However, when it all was done, Jorge Masvidal had earned two knockdowns, one take-down, and shut-out scores on every judge’s scorecard, including one 10-8 round. Masvidal controlled the fight in almost every instance, and nearly put Diaz away on several occasions. Although the fans did not get to witness what another two rounds might have unveiled, it was pretty clear on this night that Masvidal had earned the “BMF” title.
Masvidal was amongst those that weren’t pleased with the anti-climactic conclusion. Therefore, he immediately agreed to a future rematch with promise of a fight much more suitable to the liking of his great fans. Whether that rematch will materialize quickly, later on, or at all, is yet to be seen. UFC President , Dana White, has already expressed his disinterest with booking an immediate rematch. Therefore, it seems as though Masvidal is much more likely to capitalize on some other exciting opportunity down this new, shiny, brick road.

Official Decisions

Main Card

  • Jorge Masvidal def. Nate Diaz via KO/TKO (Doctor’s Stoppage) 5:00 into rd. 3
  • Darren Till def. Kelvin Gastelum via DEC 5:00 into rd. 3
  • Stephen Thompson def. Vicente Luque via DEC 5:00 into rd. 3
  • Derrick Lewis def. Blagoy Ivanov via DEC 5:00 into rd. 3
  • Kevin Lee def. Gregor Gillespie via KO/TKO (Head kick) 2:47 into rd. 1

Prelims

  • Corey Anderson def. Johnny Walker via KO/TKO (Punches) 2:07 into rd. 1
  • Shane Burgos def. Makwan Amirkhani via KO/TKO (Punches) 4:32 into rd. 3
  • Edmen Shabazyan def. Brad Tavares via KO/TKO (Head Kick) 2:27 into rd. 1
  • Jairinzho Rozenstruik def. Andrei Arlovski via KO/TKO (Check Hook) 0:29 into rd. 1

Early Prelims

  • Katlyn Chookagian def. Jennifer Maia via DEC 5:00 into rd. 3
  • Lyman Good def. Chance Rencountre via KO/TKO (Right Cross) 2:03 into rd. 3
  • Hakeem Dawodu def. Julio Arce via DEC 5:00 into rd. 3

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